1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 31 Artificial cultivation of truffles
Seeing Ronan obediently eating the food she handed to him, Elena felt an irrepressible joy in her heart.

When she met Phil, Phil was very obedient, but Elena could see that it was just an act. The chauvinistic Phil didn't want to listen to Elena in his heart, but was only committing himself to her under the pressure of "money".

But Elena could feel that Ronan was really enjoying the meal and was very happy.

At this moment, the knot in her heart was finally untied.

Maybe the brothers are right. How can Phil be worthy of their noble selves?
Only someone like Ronan, who is highly praised by Lucas, can be my future husband!

bah bah bah!
Stop thinking about that damn Phil, Elena!

You've only met four times and haven't even held hands!
From now on, you must be extremely loyal to your Ronan!
"Not eating anymore?" Seeing that the food on Ronan's plate had not decreased for a long time, Elena stopped her knife and fork in mid-air.

Ronan nodded gratefully:
"Thanks for the treat, but I really can't eat any more."

Elena put down the tableware and saw that the other guests at the table were chatting in groups of three or four. No one was paying attention to this place. Then she said to Ronan:

"My family has lived in Provence for generations, so we know some politicians, businessmen, artists, and celebrities. If you encounter any troubles or problems when you first arrive, my two brothers and I can help you solve them."

Elena had no guilt at all when she told lies.

Lucas said she couldn't impress Ronan with money, so she would use other things, such as family background.

Ronan did not question Elena's words, and even felt that it made a lot of sense.

The son of the former Minister of Transport is here, so I will believe whatever you say.

But he forgot the Provencal habit of boasting and said seriously:

"I really ran into a problem."

Elena elegantly picked up the red wine glass, put her right leg on her left leg, and said with a smile:
"Come and listen."

"I want to apply for a stall in Mena Village." Ronan looked at her expectantly.

Lucas vowed not to drink this week.

He underestimated the mysterious white wine from the East. The last time he vomited while holding the toilet was ten years ago.

After cleaning off the vomit that splashed on his clothes and washing his face, he tried to keep his balance and returned to the restaurant.

When he saw Elena sitting next to Ronan from afar, his heart immediately tightened.

She won't do anything weird, will she?
When he got closer, he found that the two people were chatting happily and Ronan was smiling. Lucas felt relieved and a smile immediately appeared on his face.

Elena has countless shortcomings, as many as the stars in the sky, but her only advantage is as dazzling as the moon - when she meets a man she likes, she will give him her all.

"It seems that it is a wise decision to let Elena contact Ronan"

"What are you talking about?" Lucas stood behind the two of them, holding a chair in each hand.

"We are talking about 'important' things." Elena stood up tactfully, winked at Lucas playfully, patted the back of the chair behind Ronan, and said with a smile, "Okay, now I have to return you to this gentleman."

Lucas didn't understand what was going on, and it was not convenient for him to ask. What if they were flirting?

He sat down and continued the topic he had been talking about before leaving, chatting with Ronan about the truffle business, but this time Ronan's attitude took a 180-degree turn.

He was extremely cautious and careful before, and did not give an accurate answer, but now he actually considered many details from the perspective of "one of us". "Where is the storage location? Is it in Lourmarin, Nice or Marseille? We have to consider the cost." Ronan held his chin with his right hand, thinking.

Ronan used 'we'.

Lucas decided to add 500 francs to Elena's pocket money every week!

Suddenly, Ronan tapped the armrest of the chair:

“Also take the collection location into consideration!”

Lucas was extremely delighted. Ronan was more useful than he thought.

He not only has the ability to pick truffles, but also has the thinking of a manager. This talent must be won over!
"We will definitely succeed." Lucas patted Ronan's arm and laughed happily.

Ronan looked at Lucas and asked sincerely:

"Can't you really tell me where your supply comes from? Even a little?"

After communicating with Elena, he fully recognized Lucas's strength.

There were only two questions that made him hesitate.

One is that there are quite a lot of participants in this business. In addition to him and Lucas, there is also Olivier who is responsible for finding the supplier.

The more participants there are, the higher the likelihood of disagreements.

Olivier seems to play a more important role in the entire chain, and Ronan is very worried that money will be unevenly distributed in the future.

However, Ronan has a system, and it is an upgradeable system, which is no less important than that of Lucas, the organizer of the game.

From this point of view, Lucas is the most "insignificant" one. If he did not have a partner like Olivier, or if Ronan himself had the resources of high-end restaurants, he would want to skip these two and earn the money himself.

The second factor that determines whether to join is the source of goods, which Lucas has always refused to disclose.

Without knowing any details, it would be difficult for Ronan to convince himself to make a decision.

Under the influence of alcohol, Lucas's brain was no longer as good as when he was sober. Ronan's attitude made him confident that his efforts had paid off. Facing this man who was very likely to become his brother-in-law, Lucas was not so tight-lipped.

"The details cannot be disclosed, but I can tell you that I have a subversive inside information." Lucas said mysteriously.

Ronan leaned forward and put his ear close to Lucas' mouth.

Such an important thing cannot be heard by others!

"The Paris Research Institute has found a way to artificially cultivate truffles and is secretly looking for plantations to cooperate with. It is said that the success rate this time is very high and the first production will be achieved within three years. I plan to invest several hundred acres of land to plant broad-leaved and coniferous forests and cooperate with them to cultivate truffles. The annual output is expected to be 1.5 kilograms."

Lucas's face was full of madness:
"We are the first batch of successful growers of 'artificially cultivated truffles' and can reap the first wave of dividends. When others enter the market, our annual output may have reached 5 kilograms or even more than 10 kilograms. Ronan, do you know how much this is?"

Ronan shook his head, indicating that he didn't know how much money it was, but he knew that Lucas was too naive:

"You are thinking about the situation where artificial cultivation is successful, but have you ever thought about what would happen if the mycelium cultivation fails or the 'fruit' comes 10 years later?"

(End of this chapter)