1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 234 Smart Businessman

Astrid didn't say hello in advance because she didn't want to see Ronan just putting on a show for her.

In order to create a certain personality or purpose, things are done beautifully. But if you look into it, it is not the case at all.

She has seen too many people like this.

If Ronan was informed in advance that she was coming, maybe Ronan would invite the 'actor' to drink pink wine, or come up with some other solution.

She just had some free time today and wanted to find a place to have a couple of drinks, she didn't have the time to watch people "perform".

However, they did not expect that this 'raid' would encounter an unexpected situation - Ronan's restaurant was holding a Halloween event and was packed with customers.

Not only is the business here more popular than some of the famous restaurants in Gordes or Menards, but the atmosphere of this Halloween is also quite "real", very similar to the atmosphere she had previously seen in Grasse, Lyon and Paris.

This was the first time she saw a restaurant holding a Halloween event in Luberon.

Seeing Astrid looking at the Halloween decorations in the restaurant, Ronan said modestly:

“Some little tricks to attract customers.”

Astrid must have heard of Halloween, so there was no need to explain to her what it was.

Astrid's non-emotional comments:

“It’s a very useful little trick.”

Ronan was a clever 'businessman' - this was Astrid's unspoken assessment.

She had seen the opening flyers distributed by Ronan in Gold, which showed that Ronan was a boss who would use different marketing methods according to different situations.

Ronan did not give Astrid any general information about Halloween, but he carefully introduced the various Chinese elements in the restaurant.

Astrid did not interrupt Ronan, and patiently listened to all the popular science, commenting from a 'tricky' perspective:
"You have quite a deft hand."

Ronan laughed awkwardly twice and asked in a negotiating tone:

"Would you like to sit inside or outside? Outdoors is nicer, but there's a bonfire going on, so it might be a bit noisy."

The restaurant is now full, and Ronan wants to add a table temporarily.

Astrid looked around and found that there were 5 or 6 tables of guests in the room who ordered pink wine.

This is a pretty good ratio for Provence.

It seems that what Ronan said was not empty talk, he was indeed intentionally creating a pink wine atmosphere.

'Pink wine on the tables' was a joke, Astrid wouldn't be so perverted.

She is currently quite satisfied with the atmosphere of Ronan Restaurant.

"Let's go inside." Astrid came to Ronan's place mainly to drink.

Ronan smacked his lips, hesitated for a moment, and continued:
"But if you want a rosé atmosphere, you should go outside. There's no drinking atmosphere inside."

Astrid paused while taking off her windbreaker, glanced at Ronan, put her coat back on, and pointed at the door leading to the outside with her chin:

"Show me your pink wine vibe."

People eating outdoors are not the protagonists.

Those who are holding wine glasses and jumping around the bonfire to celebrate the festival are the absolute protagonists of this night.

Ronan said that he was not worried about the content of the Bonfire Party at all, and the artists would definitely not let him down.

And these artists did not disappoint Astrid.

She first encountered the wonderful atmosphere of "rosé wine for everyone" in Provence.

Although all the dishes were not served yet, the view was enough for her to drink a lot of wine.

Ronan recommended three spicy Chinese dishes to Astrid, and Ms. Astrid paired them with six bottles of rosé wine.

She sat alone in a corner of the outdoor garden, watching those lively young people from afar, not knowing what she was thinking.

Ronan put the spicy chicken that Astrid had commented on as "good" on the table:

“The taste hasn’t changed at all. You’ll get all the original flavor and spiciness.”

Astrid doesn't like reformulated dishes, she likes strong flavors.

Seeing that the bottle of pink wine was empty before the first dish was served, Ronan asked in a friendly manner while pouring wine for Astrid:

"Would you like me to introduce you to some drinking buddies? I have a few quiet but quick-drinking customers who could enjoy a drink with you."

Artists have all kinds of personalities, and some are drinking machines like Astrid, but none of them can drink as much as she does.

Astrid was the biggest drinker Ronan had ever met.

But it would be so boring to drink alone, and she didn’t bring anyone else with her today.

Astrid leaned lazily on the chair:

"I don't need company when I drink."

Ronan glanced at his mouth secretly:

"Okay, I'll go and rush for the dishes that haven't been served."

Just after taking two steps, a leisurely voice came from behind:

"But if you have nothing to do, you can come and have a drink with me."

Ronan turned around and smiled brightly:
"Then I won't be polite!"

The first two conversations with Astrid were of great help to Ronan.

When Astrid came to Lourmarin to visit the Commercial Street Museum, she told Ronan to learn how to "take advantage of the situation" and "borrow benefits".

So Ronan boarded the "big ship" of the Lourmarin government and received countless benefits. Even the most important vow-fulfilling ceremony was held according to the opening day of Ronan's restaurant.

During their last meeting, Astrid revealed some high-level information to Ronan, which gave him the idea of tying rosé wine to the future development of Lourmarin.

Although this matter has not been settled yet, it makes Ronan more important to Blanco, because Ronan knows the inside information that only the top government officials know. He has been looking forward to the next meeting with Ms. Astrid for a long time.

What will this mysterious noble lady 'teach' him this time?

After the three courses were served, Ronan sat down opposite Astrid.

Without waiting for Ronan to say anything, Astrid asked:

“Are those all artists?”

Ronan looked back at the lively crowd at the bonfire and nodded:
“Yes, all artists from all over Provence.”

Astrid swirled her glass and said:
"Do you really want to rely on these people to remove the shackles that have been on Pink Wine for hundreds of years?"

Ronan sighed:

"To be honest, I don't know if this is feasible. But I can't find any other way at the moment."

Astrid looked at the crowd near the bonfire and asked Ronan without emotion:

"What are you going to do next?"

Ronan told the Vaucluse Pink Lovers Association that his dream is to make pink wine recognized by all Provençal people.

Now that the restaurant’s rosé vibe is there, how do you take the next step?
Ronan did not hide anything and confessed everything:
"After my last meeting with you, I had a chat with Blanco, the mayor of Lourmarin, and suggested that he develop rosé wine as a specialty of Lourmarin, but he hasn't decided yet."

Astrid suddenly smiled charmingly a few times.

She shifted her gaze from the bonfire to Ronan, and made her second 'imaginative' comment of the day:

"You are very obedient."

Ronan pretended to be calm and drank heavily:
“It’s something that’s very close to me and it’s something I really want to do.”

Calm, calm!
She is really praising you, she has no other intentions!!

Astrid turned her gaze away again, looking at the group of artists in the distance, and said in a tone of obvious sarcasm:
"He will refuse."

Ronan sighed:

"Most likely."

He and Blanco made the suggestion nearly two months ago, and they have met several times since then, but Blanco has never mentioned it again.

You have to know that at that time, Blanco did not spend that much time considering the commercial street buyback terms and subsidy policies.

It is very likely that this matter will be "turned over" like this.

It was too risky to tie the fate of a village to rosé wine.

Astrid tightened her coat around her once more:
"He needs to see the government's attitude with his own eyes before he can make a decision."

Ronan continued to sigh:

"But I heard that the government won't give a clear attitude. They always say they will do it first and talk later."

Astrid sneered and said:
"Disgusting face."

Ronan was so scared that his mouth was grimacing, but he still asked with a try-it attitude:
"Do you know any powerful officials?"

If Lady Astrid would be willing to help.
Astrid raised her head and said in a joking tone:
"Do you know what else people often talk about about my family besides the Marquis de Sade's love affairs?"

Ronan shook his head:

"do not know."

Astrid smiled a very beautiful and dignified smile, but she said something that made Ronan sweat profusely on that autumn night:
"There are many thorough atheists among my ancestors. They believe that God is not the first driving force of the universe, that evil is the most mysterious will of heaven, and that humans should always stay active in hunting in anarchy."

Ronan kept drinking to hide his current mood.

What kind of family is this?

Each one is weirder than the last!
Too scary!

"Ronan, the supplier is here to deliver wine, and I need you to go check on the goods."

Isabelle's timely appearance saved Ronan, who didn't know how to respond.

Astrid waved to Ronan:

"Go and do your work and don't worry about me."

Ronan left his seat and said apologetically:
"I'll have someone bring you a dessert later. My desserts here are also very special."

Astrid uttered a lazy nasal "hmm" and continued to be her ruthless drinking machine.

About two minutes later, Isabel came over with two thick blankets.

Without waiting for Astrid to inquire about the situation, Isabelle placed one on Astrid's body and the other on her knees.

She smiled and explained to the guest:
"Ronan said the temperature is low now. Seeing that you keep pulling at your clothes, let me help you put them on. I'm right over there. If you're still cold, you can call me anytime and I'll get you something warmer."

After Isabel left, a hint of emotion appeared on the face of the ruthless drinking machine.

Astrid smiled a smile that looked like a 'maternal glow', looking at the bonfire in the distance, shaking the wine glass continuously.

Early the next morning.

Before Ronan went to work at the restaurant, he received a call from Ines.

The president of the Vaucluse Rosé Wine Association and editor-in-chief of Michelin magazine said in a very complicated tone:

"Astrid contacted me and said she didn't drink enough at your restaurant yesterday. She asked me to organize a party as soon as possible and suggested that your restaurant be the venue."

She thought about it for a moment, and asked in a tone of obvious doubt:
"Ronan, are you and Astrid familiar with each other?"

She's promoting your restaurant, oh my god!

(End of this chapter)