1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 558 Ronan's Happy Life in Provence

After the photo shoot, it was time for the wedding banquet.

Provençal wedding banquets are typically long and lavish, lasting from noon until nightfall.

To make a successful event, in addition to offering a wide variety of dishes that satisfy the palate, there also needs to be engaging activities that can continuously keep guests entertained.

Ronan and Zoe chose to fill the intervals of their wedding reception with music and dance.

As soon as the bride and groom appeared in the banquet hall, music started playing, but instead of traditional French chanson, it was trendy disco music.

Disco music originated in the United States in the 70s, but in France in 1987 it was only popular among 'trendy' people, such as more avant-garde artists.

When the upbeat, Latin-flavored "La Isla Bonita" played, the artists screamed and swayed, frequently exclaiming, "So cool!", "This is my favorite music!", "It feels like I'm at a ball in Aix-en-Provence!"

People in Provence have a 'fine tradition' that they will dance and sing without exception when they hear a lively melody.

The villagers of Lourmaran had never heard of this song before, but they still joined the artists in dancing. Hundreds of people danced at the same time, and the atmosphere became incredibly lively.

Theo wiggled his hips and swayed over to Ronan:

"Who sang this song? After that, I had Como play this song at the old bar as well."

After standing for several hours, Ronan finally had a chance to sit down and rest for a while:
"A song from Madonna's new album released earlier this year."

Theo, swaying his hips with an incredibly flamboyant manner, continued to ask:
"This Madonna is pretty cool, isn't she? Is she good-looking?"

While the bridesmaids were taking a break to touch up Zoe's makeup as she rested next to Ronan, Vivian quickly answered:
"A sexy bombshell!"

When it comes to 'sexy bombshells', one of the bridesmaids has a lot to say.

Barty craned his neck and began searching the hall:
Has that lady arrived?

Ronan and Zoe didn't realize who 'that lady' Batty was referring to; there were so many women present that best man Cornell suddenly became nervous.

"What are you going to do?"

Bati looked around and said:

"Invite her to dance! I want to invite her to dance the first dance of the day."

"Come on, Barty!" Cornell said impulsively. "You've invited way too many people to dance the first dance. Cotillard, Sylvie, Ines, and you even said the same thing to my mother. How many 'first' dances do you have?"

Barty looked away and shrugged innocently.

"There are so many firsts! Today we're playing a variety of music types. Right now it's disco, next is new wave, then rock, pop hits, and country. Ronan and Zoe have also invited three live bands to play love songs, pop chansons, and nostalgic oldies. Different music, different dance styles. So, when you think about it, there's still a vacancy for my 'first dance'."

During the preparation phase, Cornell and other Lourmaran villagers were mainly responsible for decorating the castle, while artists such as Barty were responsible for planning various aspects of the wedding.

Upon hearing Batty's answer, Cornell asked Ronan in surprise:
"Do we need to include so many different types of songs?"

Ronan kissed Zoe on the cheek:

"Because my wife is a 'detail-oriented person'."

This is the first time Ronan has referred to Zoe as "my wife" in a real-life setting.

Zoe returned the gesture with the same 'etiquette,' explaining:

"Because my husband owns a restaurant, I naturally have to put some effort into the food selection for the wedding banquet."

Cornell was stunned.

Live music and food are two different things.

Just as he was scratching his head, wondering how to ask a question in a way that wouldn't make him seem so 'idiotic', the waiters appeared with the 'pre-meal bread'.

"The appetizer will be here shortly, please wait a moment." The waiter placed the 'pre-meal bread' on the table in front of Cornell.

Cornell looked closely and realized that it wasn't the French bread, olive oil, caviar, or butter combination he was familiar with. Well, how should I put it, it was indeed those things, just in a different form.

Ronan immediately introduced them to the best man and maid of honor:

"Caviar king crab tart with a Chinese-style puff pastry crust; butter foie gras scallion pancake, my dad's masterpiece after several days of research; this is Sichuan sausage with bread, hurry up and eat a few bites, after we finish we have to go toast."

The Ronan family owns a Chinese restaurant, so the wedding banquet menu naturally had to be unique—Luo Tianhai vowed to make sure that the guests' palates would remember this day forever.

Cornell immediately stuffed the caviar and king crab tart into his mouth, and before he could even swallow it, he picked up two more, one in each hand:
"This 'pre-meal bread' is so delicious!"

Zoe continued to add her own commentary:
"The 'pre-meal bread' is as hot and sexy as Madonna; one bite and your appetite is whetted, making you eager to eat the rest of the food."

Thor was the one who ate the most in the vicinity.

While Cornell was still chewing on the caviar and king crab tart, Thor had already finished all the 'pre-meal bread' and started his second round.

This was the most unique and innovative 'pre-meal bread' he had ever eaten.

Ronan chuckled and patted Thor's arm:

"Buddy, don't eat too much. Today's menu is definitely the longest you've ever seen. Save room for the rest of the dishes."

In Provence, a typical gathering will have several main courses, often stretching out like a marathon.

Ronan and Zoe are determined to have a grand wedding, and the 4-5 hour wedding banquet must be filled with a variety of special dishes.

At today's wedding banquet, guests enjoyed lobster seasoned with a blend of Sichuan-style numbing and spicy sauce and French herb oil; Mediterranean sea bass cooked with aged Shaoxing wine sauce; sea urchin chawanmushi sprinkled with Provençal spices; abalone jelly marinated in perilla and vinaigrette; roast suckling pig brushed with honey and rosemary; pig stuffed with eight-treasure rice; tofu steamed in bouillabaisse; and crispy roast goose served with Leah's secret cherry sauce.

Each time a dish is served, the music will change, and the style of the music will correspond to the flavor of the dish.

Whether it's the widow of a Marseille shipping magnate with a net worth of millions, a pampered princess, or a business tycoon, they're all licking their fingers non-stop today—this is the highest praise the French have for fine food.

Even the true gourmet, Llorente, took the initiative to approach Ronan with a wine glass midway through the banquet:

"I will never forget the taste of today's meal. Your Chinese restaurant is still developing too slowly. You need to speed up the expansion and open at least one in Gold!"

Ronan nodded and said:

"Preparations are underway, and Lourmaran will definitely open by next year at the latest."

Llorente drank a glass of wine with Ronan and said cheerfully:
"I need to 'exercise' a bit, otherwise I won't be able to eat the rest of the food."

After you've eaten your fill, go dance.

Continue eating after digestion
Almost all guests made this choice.

Ronan hugged him:
"Have a great time today!"

“Of course, I’m so happy today!” As the band played a familiar French classic melody, Llorente couldn’t wait to return to his seat. “This is my wife’s favorite old song. I’m going to go dancing with her.”

The carefully prepared dishes satisfied the appetites of the gourmets.

The variety of songs also caters to the Provençal people who love to dance.

Regardless of age, gender, or status, everyone can enjoy themselves today—that's what a successful wedding looks like, and Ronan and Zoe have achieved it.

Scientists say that time seems to pass more quickly when you're happy.

Before they knew it, the sun was setting, and the beautiful Luberon Valley was bathed in pink, as if even God was celebrating for the newlyweds.

And at this moment, the last 'dish' of the wedding banquet is served.

To the accompaniment of cheerful music, Leah and several women pushed up a giant cake, so large that it looked like it was meant for giants, requiring one to crane their neck to see the top.

The young people gathered around again, eager to witness the newlyweds cutting the cake.

After the cake is cut, the formal wedding ceremony will be over, and the late-night party afterwards is 'voluntary'.

Before cutting the cake with Ronan, Zoe whispered a few words to Paulette.

Paulette covered her mouth and chuckled for a while before quietly leaving the venue.

"Where's Paulette?" Ronan noticed that one of the bridesmaids was missing.

Zoe took Ronan's hand and said, half-jokingly:
"I told her to go home and get ready. My friends are coming over soon, so I need to see if we need anything else."

Lourmaran Castle is a historical site and a tourist attraction.

Lending the money to Ronan for his wedding is already the limit; it's impossible for them to party here until the early hours of the morning. The rest of the event will have to be moved to Ronan and Zoe's house.

“I’ll have Cornell go with her.” Ronan turned to look for Cornell.

Zoe stopped her, saying:
"Cornell is still making a final effort to get Ms. Astrid to dance, don't bother him."

Ronan thought for a moment:
"OK then."

Zoe urged Ronan to cut the cake:

"Go cut the cake quickly, then we'll go home."

Most of the guests left Lourmaran after cutting the cake; the important figures had other things to do the next day.

The couple's best friends are going to Ronan's house later to continue the party.

Ronan saw each departing guest off, then, with a sigh of relief, took off his tuxedo.
"Today is finally over."

That day exhausted him.

Zoe remained tense. After confirming that there was nothing else she and Ronan needed to do at the castle, she took Ronan's hand and headed home.
"Let's go home." Ronan was dragged a few steps forward:
"Take a rest, aren't you tired?"

“Don’t keep our friends waiting too long,” Zoe said without turning her head. “They’re waiting for us.”

Ronan and Zoe led a large group home to kick off their nighttime revelry.

Throughout the journey, everyone chattered incessantly, unable to quiet down at all.

Some were discussing the food, some were discussing Madonna, and others were talking about the interesting new friends they met at the wedding. Everyone had a happy expression on their face.

Ronan knew that the friends who came today were truly happy, because he had gained a lot of "happiness points" today, more than a thousand.

According to the system's assessment, making others feel happy will also give Ronan experience points.

The happiness of others gave Ronan a surge of experience points, while Ronan himself, apart from gaining a little over a hundred experience points before and after the morning ceremony, spent the rest of his time busy.

"What are you thinking about?" Ronan was lost in thought for a while, and Zoe keenly noticed her husband's unusual behavior.

Ronan quickly glanced around, and seeing that no one was paying attention to them, lowered his voice and said:
"I think my 'happy' life is about to begin."

Zoe, always a straightforward person, calmly countered with:

"Were you unhappy before?"

Ronan shook his head with a wicked grin:

"Of course I'm happy, but I'll be even happier in the future."

Can the happiness of sneaking around be the same as the happiness of sharing a bed every day?

We are now legally married!

"Oh—" Zoe said, feigning anger, "So that's all the happiness you wanted."

“No, of course not.” Ronan put his arm around Zoe’s shoulder, about to say some sweet nothings, when he suddenly noticed an unusual light in the darkness.

That's definitely Ronan's house.

But those brightly lit rooms didn't seem to be coming from Ronan's house; their outlines looked more like the second floor of his studio.

But there's nothing there.

"Why are the studio lights on?" Ronan muttered to himself.

That's not where the party will be held tonight either.

Soon, the group noticed unusual lights appearing in the direction of Ronan's house.

Zoe, wearing high heels and a dress, couldn't walk too fast, so Ronan helped her carefully across the dark Luberon country road. But the others didn't have that much patience and abandoned Ronan and Zoe, running to Ronan's house to see what had happened.

Ronan returned home with Zoe and several bridesmaids who were also wearing dresses, and several heads immediately popped out of the second-floor windows of the studio.

Theo, Cornell, and Batty gestured wildly at Ronan:
"Damn Ronan, you've been keeping this a secret! You've been renovating the house again without telling us!"

"I didn't renovate the house." Ronan stared wide-eyed innocently.

Thor's large head also appears in the same location:

"Can I stay in your big kitchen tonight? Please. I really love it here."

Ronan glanced instinctively at his newlywed wife beside him.

Only now did Zoe finally breathe a sigh of relief, raising an eyebrow in a defiant manner:

"You think you're the only one who prepared a surprise?"

Ronan pulled Zoe along to the second floor of the studio.

After personally renovating the bohemian-style bathroom on the second floor, Ronan never came back.

I only come to the first floor of the studio occasionally when I'm looking for Zoe.

The second floor is very spacious, and surprisingly, a beautifully decorated large kitchen with all kinds of equipment appears on the side near the bathroom.

Zoe turned to look at Ronan:
"When you first brought me here, you pointed in that direction and said that a big kitchen would be built there in the future as your dessert studio. Since you haven't done anything about it for so long, I'll do it for you."

The notification sound in Ronan's ear was deafening.

Happiness level increased by 100 points.

A chorus of envious groans erupted around them:
"Zoe is so cool, is this a wedding gift for Ronan?"

Paulette, who came back early and turned on the lights, pouted and said:

"This wedding gift is worth 15 francs! That's incredibly extravagant."

Ronan heard the notification tone again:
Happiness level increased by 80 points.

The sounds of wailing and howling rose and fell, and Cornell grabbed the refrigerator.

God, why doesn't any woman give me a gift worth 15 francs?
Ronan said excitedly:
"I just said it offhand. You remembered it all?"

He knew Zoe was willing to spend money on him, but this was just too 'generous'!

Zoe stood in front of Ronan, looked up into his eyes, and said firmly:

"Of course, I remember every single word you said clearly."

Ronan grabbed Zoe and kissed her deeply, cupping her face in his hands.

Happiness level increased by 120 points.

"God, how do I know you two? You were talking and then you started kissing!"

"Can you two please stop showing off your love?!"

"Help! Help! I need to get out of here and calm down!"

Downstairs, professional photographer Hakimi quickly urged the guests to strike a pose.

"Don't waste it, friends! Come and take a picture with the bride and groom!"

"I'm coming!"

‘Click—click—’

Zoe's surprise gift made the party atmosphere even more exciting.

Ronan and Zoe's friends all declared, "Nobody should leave tonight; let's fight until dawn!"

As the hosts, Ronan and Zoe naturally had to keep them company, but after a long day, they took a break to get some fresh air.

Ronan opened his car, which he had parked in the backyard, and let himself and Zoe get in.

The two leaned against each other.

"Today feels like a dream," Ronan exhaled.

Zoe nestled into Ronan's arms:
"A dream so blissful that I didn't want to wake up."

“You know, I had such mixed feelings last night, both positive and negative, I couldn’t sort them out at all. But after the wedding, when I really married you, all those feelings left me, leaving only one thing—” Ronan hugged Zoe, “that is happiness. I hope we can stay happy like this forever.”

Zoe reached back and touched Ronan's face:
Are you truly happy?

Ronan nodded vigorously:
"Of course!"

The system just gave him a lot of experience points, several hundred. How could that be a lie?

Zoe said calmly:

"But you just said that you want to live a happy life in the future."

Ronan noticed that Zoe's shoulders were trembling slightly, and she was clearly smiling. He then understood what she meant.

He lowered his head and asked with a smile:
"You remembered that too?"

Zoe looked up and met Ronan's eyes in the darkness:

"Of course, I said I remember every single word you said."

Ronan lowered his head and kissed her again:
"But not today, our friends won't let us leave."

Zoe suddenly leaned in and pressed down on him:
"That won't do. I can't wait until then to enjoy a happy life."

Happiness level increased by 100 points.