1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 143: King of Buildings!

Without waiting for Ronan's reply, Blanco continued:

"This building is in the best location on the entire 'commercial street'. People who come to the Fountain Square will definitely pass by here. Maybe they will sit outside the restaurant to enjoy the fountain. You know, tourists like to sit outside to eat."

He pointed to the other side and said:

"There, in the future, there will be a tree that's hundreds of years old, and you can put outdoor tables and chairs all the way to that area. God, how romantic that will be? Sitting under a tree that's hundreds of years old, looking at the most beautiful fountain of modern design, with good wine and delicious food."

Ronan wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Blanco again:

"In the future, we can also make a sign for your restaurant to promote it as a Lourmarin specialty. You just need to run the restaurant well and don't worry about anything else. The number of tourists in Lourmarin during Labor Day is more than double that of the same period last year. You can definitely make money by opening a restaurant here now. Please believe me!"

"I know, Blanco..." Ronan kept waving, hoping he would stop, but Blanco became more and more excited, and even ignored his own safety and entered the unfinished building.

Ronan risked his life to go in and pull him out, but Blanco seemed to be possessed by some "demon". He stopped at a certain position near the window, opened his arms, and said in an even more excited tone:
“There is also a huge backyard where guests can dine while enjoying the beautiful Luberon Valley, which is no less beautiful than Bonnieux and Gordes!”

Blanco closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and said intoxicatedly:

“I can already feel the excitement of walking through the building and seeing the open-air courtyard.”

He turned back suddenly, and asked Ronan with red eyes:

"Can you feel it?"

Ronan said tremblingly:

"I just feel the danger. Blanco, can we go out and talk?"

Blanco wilts like a deflated ball.

Ronan was not moved by his 'passionate' speech. But he had tried his best. He practiced the lines several times in front of the mirror at home.

Ronan led Blanco to a safe street, found a clean place to sit down, pointed to the left and right sides and said:
"great."

"What's great?" Blanco has not yet come out of the mood of 'frustration'.

"This shopping street is great," Ronan said with a smile.

"Do you really think so?" Blanco frowned and sat next to Ronan.

"Of course!" Ronan said cheerfully, "This place makes up for many of Lourmarin's shortcomings, narrowing the gap between it and those famous villages. I believe that after it is completed, it will definitely attract more tourists and greatly enhance their travel experience."

"Do you really think so?" Blanco asked the same question, but his expression changed from disbelief to excitement.

Do you really think this strip mall can help Lourmarin?
Ronan's tone softened:
"Every decision you make is correct, whether it's the Lourmarin 'revitalization' plan or this commercial street. I'm honestly saying you have an extremely good eye."

Ronan knew the future direction of Lourmarin. Although he didn't know the specific details, it was definitely inseparable from the "decisions" made by the village chief Blanco.

This kind village chief is a very powerful guy.

"Would you like to open a restaurant here?" Blanco asked expectantly.

Ronan did not give an answer immediately, but asked:

"I heard from my parents that we have to pay a certain amount of 'rent' every month. How much is that?"

Blanc gave Ronan the discounted price for Sylvie:
"The monthly cost is around 1750 francs, but not all of it goes to the government, there is also insurance."

Home insurance in France is extremely expensive, and Ronan still can't afford to buy it to this day.

However, commercial properties must purchase insurance, otherwise many procedures cannot be processed. Housing insurance generally consists of four parts.

The first part protects your home against risks such as fire, flood, theft and vandalism.

The second part is used to compensate third-party losses caused by the actions of residents inside the house, commonly known as civil liability insurance.

The third part is to protect the personal property safety of residents, also known as tenant's property insurance.

The last type is third-party liability insurance, which protects your neighbor’s property from damage caused by you.

After hearing this number, Ronan understood why the villagers were not proactive.

The cost was too high for them. Even Ronan felt distressed.

"It's too expensive." Ronan shook his head.

Blanco explained:

"The government has already compressed prices to the extreme. You know, the cost of insurance cannot be compressed."

Ronan looked at the building and asked:

“Why not design it as a one-story building instead of a three-story building?”

Blanco smiled bitterly:
"First, I considered the unity of style with other buildings in Lourmarin. Second, at the beginning of the construction, I anticipated that the villagers might not be very interested in this project. Only those who make money from tourism would come here. So when they open a shop here, they also need to have a 'home' in Lourmarin."

Ronan's eyes lit up.

It is indeed habitable.

He looked around and recalled what Blanco had just described to him about the future of this place.

A few dozen meters away is the only museum in Lourmarin, and the surrounding facilities are complete.

In front of you is the landmark building, the Fountain Square, and behind you is the beautiful scenery of Luberon. You can also see the Lourmarin Castle built in the 15th century.

Maybe this will become the most expensive place in the entire Lourmarin Village in the future.
No, it’s the most expensive building!

This is the 'King of Buildings'!
"Can I only rent it? Can't I buy it?" Ronan asked, pointing at the 'king of the buildings'.

Whether he or his parents move in in the future, it will be a very good choice.

One house is 'quiet and peaceful', the other is 'bustling and prosperous', this combination is perfect!
And the most important point is that it will definitely appreciate in value in the future.

This question stumped Blanco.

The government has never thought about this issue.
"Do you want to buy it?" Blanco asked cautiously.

Ronan stood up and dusted off his butt:
"I don't like using 'other people's things', but I need to determine whether opening a restaurant is really profitable, so I can rent it for a while, but I must have the 'right to purchase' this building in the future. Please consider whether this form of cooperation is acceptable to you. If you are, then give me an estimate of the price."

"Oh, by the way, the price is 'sincere'." Ronan waved goodbye to Blanco and said, "Come to the old tavern to find me when you have thought it over."

Ronan turned his back to Blanco and curled his lips.

Anyway, I'm not the one who's anxious.

What if I find a bargain again?
(End of this chapter)