Chapter 20 Chapter Twenty

Those cyclists breathe effortlessly, their feet rising and falling with the smooth and regular pedaling.Watching them ride up the steep slope, bypass the detour, and walk towards Gould, it is really hard to imagine their first difficult journey. At that time, their muscles were still limp. The coughing sound continued.The general is very happy.They look like hundreds of other cyclists who can easily cover a hundred kilometers on a clear morning with no sign of exertion except profuse sweat. They rode a long circle, passed Sog Island, arrived at Penis, crossed Venasque and Moss, came to the DZ road, and then climbed the last hillside and returned to Gould. The journey had just given them an appetite for the lunch the General had prepared for them in the barn.

It took him a lot of work to get the lunch ready, first setting up the table and chairs, then setting up the barbecue for the thick slices of lamb leg, and preparing bags of ice for chilling the anisette and red wine, and A dozen were left over from Chateauneuf du Pape last Sunday when they were very poor. He drove back first, started the grill, and stood watching the heat rise into the sky as the charcoal turned from black to gray.As always, he poured himself a glass of ouzo and enjoyed watching the liquid turn to mist as he added ice and water.He raised his glass in a silent salute to the holy bank robbers.In France, he thought, there was something to be admired about everything or anyone.No matter who you are, just give us luck, the same time next week, it's time for us to count the money!

He heard grumbling and laughing on the road, and there they were, spinning their bikes to keep the tires from the gravel, laughing and rubbing their hips. marvelous!my child!Who needs water and who needs ouzo? They huddled around the table, wiping the sweat off their faces with their cotton caps, fighting for glasses and ice. The general said: Today, we eat and drink so much that we will not return home until we are drunk.But, I'm going to get down to business for ten minutes. He waited until they all had drinks and were seated.All seven swarthy faces looked at him. good!He put his seven pairs of latex gloves and two keys on the table.When we were squatting in Kuyao, our fingerprints had already been taken, so you all had to wear gloves that night.Even if you want to scratch your ass, you can't take it off.Now, here is the back door, where you are leaving.He put a pack of cigarettes on the table, and his glass beside them.Right outside the door to the left, I'll park the van there and I'll occupy that spot all day, and you'll know, the car must be there.The bike is inside.At night I would pull the car out and chain it to a side rail.I would use a long chain and a lock.You still have to wear gloves when you untie the chain, you know?Seven people nodded.The general took the keys. These two keys would open the lock. If one was lost, there would be another duplicate.If you lose both, you're screwed!Qiao Zai, Bashir, each of you holds one, tie it around your neck, or stuff it in your nose, whatever you want, just don’t lose it!

The general took his glass, took a sip of his drink, and wiped his beard.I have trousers and undershirts in your bike kit, they are old and untraceable, just throw them away when you're done.When you go in, you will definitely sweat all over your body, but you will be dry after a whole night.He looked around, smiled and said: Well, that's it.At that time, the only thing we have to do is count the bills, is there a problem? Those people looked at the pile of latex gloves and keys, silent.It's been months and finally the time to act.The general knew what they were thinking: what if it didn't work out?Let the despicable judge look down on you in the dock, and squat in the cesspit for a while.

He said: My friend, you can't go wrong.Believe me.He patted the shoulders of the people around him, what's wrong with you?Why is no one asking me what's for lunch? Uncle William made good use of his free-for-all charm and tricks to solve the housing problem and was packing his luggage to move to the house that Ennis rented in the village. He was going to live in the empty bedroom in the name of an artist.As he explained, before capturing Ennis' verve on canvas, one had to understand Ennis' character in depth.It could take him weeks to start painting.Then there was the stately Mrs. Pan.She had no intention of accepting the proposal of Uncle William's portrait, but after he flatteringly compared her to the Odal|Ispue of the Turkish palace, she readily agreed.He said, why let the Louvre own so many treasures?He detected the fine lines at the corners of her eyes through her glass of white wine.Yes, Uncle William liked Provence quite a bit, but it should be possible to persuade Simon to lend him a little money first, to get the hang of the enigmatic remittance before it arrives.What's more, daily life is free.Uncle William closed his suitcase, arranged two stolen cigars in his coat pocket wrapped in an old silk handkerchief, and went downstairs to find someone to buy him a drink.

Simon sat in a quiet corner with his guests.Andrego, from Marseille, took off his sunglasses and nodded gratefully as he looked out on the terrace. He said: I am very happy to see that your hotel is running so successfully, you must be a busy man, thank you for taking the time to have lunch with me. Simon demurred for several days, but Jean-Louis kept hinting unkindly that he would be in trouble if he was offended, and he was very interested in the success or failure of the hotel.Simon says: I'm looking forward to this lunch!What would you like to drink?How about champagne? Anliego crossed his hands on the table, on his short and rough fingers, he could still see the luster of his nails that had just been trimmed.His flimsy gold watch, buried on his hairy wrist, was half hidden by the cuffs of his cream silk shirt.The silk suit is dark blue.He said: I'm just a kid from Marseilles, give me some anisette, rich man.

Simon ordered two glasses of ouzo and thought about what to talk about at lunch with a gang member like this.A new gimmick for blackmail?The price of cocaine is rising?The impact of inflation on the bribery market?He said: Ah, what a beautiful day, isn't it? Andrego grinned.His eyes were quite busy, looking at Simon and glancing at the guests on the balcony who had just come out of the pool in light clothing.He said: It's such a great weather, the sun will open the wallet! The drinks were served, and Anliego raised his glass to congratulate the hotel on its future success and prosperity.The scar on his neck twisted slightly as he took his first sip of his drink.Symon had to restrain himself from staring at his scar, which was so close to the blood vessel.

Anlego lit a cigarette, let the smoke float from his mouth, into his nose, and leaned forward.Mr. Xiao, I came to see you as a friend.I hope your hard work pays off and your investment grows.He nodded and took another sip of his wine, which I'm sure was quite an investment. Trying to look relaxed, Simon said with a nonchalant shrug: Good things don't come cheap these days. Exactly, as a businessman you must understand that investments must be protected. Simon thought he was getting to the point, and when the waiter brought the menu, he breathed a sigh of relief and looked away from the corner of the smiling mouth and unblinking eyes.May I recommend you the ravioli stuffed with cheese and spinach?The dough is made by Mrs. Pan herself.

Anrego read the menu line by line, as if checking a contract.He said: Well, just a ravioli, and cheese and olives.Wish you could let me buy you a drink?I'm particularly partial to the Rhodi Coast. That wine was five hundred and forty francs a bottle, Simon thought, and I'm fine with it.In fact, the very thought of arguing with Andrego about anything was off-putting.There was the man's ferocity in the air, from his manicured nails and his calm voice.Wondered what he would propose, Simon thought.You come to the countryside to seek a peaceful life, but in the end you have to eat small dumplings with the horns hidden in your suit.

Anliego enjoyed the meal in a leisurely manner, picking and choosing, and wiping the corners of his mouth with a napkin from time to time.As they waited for their main course, he began to mention the issue of investing in conservation.I wondered if Simon had inadvertently learned of the incident at the Two Boys Café in Aix not long ago?In the dressing room they found enough explosives to blow up the café and level half the Mirabplatz.It's things like this that make running a business in Provence even more unpredictable.Assuming all the effort, the investment of millions of francs, Andrego shook his head sadly, but still smiled when the bread and cheese came, and he bent his head to inhale the heat rising from the plate.He said: This is right, the sauce is right, this sauce is thicker than blood.

Listening to Andrego babbling, calmly explaining the unsolved cases of robbery, wounding and disappearance, interspersed with compliments on food and wine from time to time, Simon couldn't help feeling that he lost his appetite, and Anrego's voice changed the subject. Nothing has changed.In a soft, confident tone, he talked about murder and table fun at the same time. At last Simon could bear it no longer, and tried to direct this dreadful conversation to the real purpose of Anrego's lunch.He believes that this is no different from advertising.No one really gets into the topic until they drink coffee. Anliego, the things you told me should have happened in the city, not in such a backcountry, right? The timing, my friend, is different.Now it is a highly competitive market, and many laymen have also joined the market.He shook his head. These laymen were both impatient and greedy.They are ignorant of the most important regulations of organized trade.His cigarette smoke curled up, and he sat upright. Simon wondered what Anliego's job was.Perhaps by placing the explosives in a leisurely manner without killing too many people.you mean Everyone wants to profit. Of course.But I'm not sure what this has to do with restaurants. ah!Anlego put out his cigarette, and his clean hands resumed the previous gesture of clasping.this is very simple.You hire someone to do the laundry and you need to restock the fridge.Your room needs regular painting.You also have to buy fish and meat.Your palatial swimming pool still needs maintenance.do you understand? Simon understood. Anliego continued: I know very good friends from all walks of life, and they must be very happy to assist you.This is what I can vouch for.On the other side of the table, he smiled confidently, and he was confident that others would obediently do as he wanted.I can assure you that you will be satisfied.My home in Marseilles also employs these people.They are all well trained. Here's another bonus, Simon thought: I won't get fired, kidnapped, have my knee broken, or get robbed.Sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime.Simon felt as if he was talking to a bank manager from hell. Anrego, I'd like to have some after-dinner drinks, how about you? Let's have some vintage wine!If possible, wine from the Newcastle Nature Reserve is the best.I am a local business person and of course I support local causes.The smile on Anliego's face widened another two or three millimeters.I insist, I will pay for lunch. You say everyone has to make a profit, don't you? Yes, my friends, everyone has to make a profit. Qiao Zai reversed the van and entered the empty space opposite the hotel, next to a black Grand Mercedes.When Qiao Zai opened the van door, the tough and dark driver watched him, not to touch the immaculate body of the Mercedes.The car was just cleaned this morning.The two nodded to each other, and Qiao Zai crossed the street, holding the envelope between his thumb and forefinger to make sure it wouldn't get dirty.He sharpened his boots on the sidewalk to brush off the dust, and went indoors. For some personal reasons, Qiao Zai always liked to come to the hotel. When Fang Qi needed someone to deliver the bill to Simon, Qiao Zai always volunteered.When he looked around at the deserted reception counter, he tapped the envelope on his palm in boredom.He could hear Franseva talking on the phone in the office, and he went out onto the terrace, hoping to see Mrs. Pan, whose majestic figure always haunted his dreams. He went round the tables, maybe she was having an after-dinner drink with some guest to cool off the heat in the kitchen.He fantasized about the warm pillow formed by that plump body, lightly wrapped in a layer of dripping sweat.He blocked the sunlight with his hand and studied the figure below.Isn't that the boss?The English guy, with his coat hanging on the back of the chair, was talking to someone. Joe looked carefully at the guy in the suit. He had seen this face in the newspaper. gentlemen? Qiao Zai turned around and saw Franseva smiling at him.What a pretty girl, he thought.If she put on another twenty pounds, she'd be a real woman. He handed her the envelope and went out, back to the van.Now that he knew whose Mercedes it was, he opened the door carefully and thoughtfully as he drove back to the job site.What is the Brit doing with that kind of guy? Nicole listened in disbelief as Simon recounted the lunch conversation.This is simply blackmail, it is unbearable, the police must be reported, and such a gangster must be handcuffed in prison.She must call the police immediately. When she reached out to dial, Simon grabbed her hand.Don't overreact, be hysterical.What will the police do?Arrest him for buying me lunch?He didn't threaten me at all, at least not outright.He just told me scary things. Nicole paced up and down, smoking rapidly.Impossible, we must take action. How to do it?Mrs Gibbon to bite him?Tell him we're happy with the laundry service?God, I don't know if he's really dangerous, or if he's just bluffing, he's probably just throwing stones and trying to make a deal, Nicole?She stopped pacing, calmed down, and your chest was choppy! I'm just going crazy! Well, let's try to get to know him a little more, then we'll know what to do! What if he is what you think he is? Simon shrugged. I'll get someone to kill him, or change the laundry. You are not serious at all. I gave up decency a long time ago.I have a crazy uncle who asks me for pocket money; next door I have a hysterical wife whose husband likes to climb ladders to peep; now, this new friend, Anrego, wants to turn the hotel into a mafia franchise.As far as I know, Mrs. Pan is pregnant, and the couple in Room 8 clean their shoes with the curtains, how can I be serious? Nicole came over and put her arms around Simon's neck.You are not happy at all, are you? He smiled and shook his head.You know, we're rarely alone anymore.You work late every night and go to bed as soon as you get home.Report to the hotel at eight o'clock in the morning, and then start again and again. Honey, this is a hotel, and it's a full-time job. They looked at each other in silence.Through the open door of the office, they heard Ennis's voice, polite and calm, and then, in the direction of the terrace, the footsteps faded away.Ennis enters the office, closes the door behind him, his eyes staring dramatically at the ceiling, dear, we are lucky to have a visitor. Well, who is it? I'm afraid you won't be happy.The former Mrs. Shaw came all the way from Harold to visit us, and brought new friends with her.Ennis looked disapproving. They were decent young men, and I asked them to walk in the garden. What a beautiful day.Simon stood up and sighed. Does he look like a lawyer? No, dear, he dresses better than a lawyer. Simon stepped out onto the patio, squinting at the sunlight as he instinctively looked at the walls.The peeping guy wasn't hiding at all, and Simon even wanted to invite him over for a drink, to get a closer look at the poolside carcass. He saw Caroline's exquisite hairstyle and familiar style, and she turned to look at the man beside her with a smile.She looked as regal as ever.When she noticed Simon approaching, beckoning, the sun shone on her waist chain, shining brightly.He remembered that he bought it for her, and he remembered that she threw it at him once. Simon, how are you?She offered the cheek that wasn't covered by the sunglasses for Simon to kiss.You are so tanned! Hi Caroline, you look fine. Simon, this is Jonathan.Jonathan.edward. The two shook hands.Jonathan was several years younger than Saimon, with black hair and a slender build.He looked impeccable and hot in a folded blazer and gray flannel trousers.Be nice to him, Simon thought.This could be husband material. Why don't we sit in the shade? Simon noticed that Jonathan carefully opened the chair for Caroline before he sat down, and when she took out the cigarette, he immediately flashed the lighter.Appreciative demeanor, Simon thought, concentrating as Caroline chatted about their drive all the way to France.They had spent the night at one of the best hotels in Paris, and their next stop would be a few days on a friend's yacht near Antibes.It would be nice for Jonathan to get away from the city for a few days, wouldn't it, dear.Simon felt that every few words she said, she would call out to her dear, and touch his hand intentionally or unintentionally to strengthen her tone. Jonathan didn't say anything, he just undid the embellished brass button of his coat and opened the heavy lapels of his coat.On his blue shirt, his initials are embroidered.He looked well-developed, and Simon wondered if he could pay Caroline's America Connect bill. Jonathan, what are you doing in town?Simon sounded like a would-be father-in-law. business investment.I work for Levinson & Co. We specialize in vertically integrated business practices, often working with many large fund managers. Simon said: Sounds interesting.So where are you staying tonight? Caroline squeezed Jonathan's hand again. We want to live here, dear, don't we?It was too late to get to the hotels on the coast by now. I really wish I could stay with you.Simon tried to look rather disappointed and shook his head as if he'd heard some bad news, but we're fully booked and you can try Gould's hotel. oh!Caroline's mouth tightened.It's really boring.I also want to have a good chat with you! Jonathan took his leave politely and went inside to call other restaurants.Simon became quite nervous.Caroline's chats usually start with sweet things and end with threats, and the alimony is pungent.As she was lighting her cigarette and reaching into her purse, Nicole walked over and joined them.She winked at Simon before Caroline could turn to look at her. Sorry, there is a call from the United States. Ah, my God!Simon jumped up immediately, I better answer this call, Caroline, let me introduce you, this is Nicole. The two women looked at each other with politeness and curiosity.Simon felt like a mouse between two cats."I can't make Americans wait," he said. Simon went into the office, closed the door, and breathed a sigh of relief.I don't know whose idea it was, but the timing was perfect! Ennis looked rather smug.This is the result of teamwork.When the handsome young guy said that lady wanted to have a good chat with you, I expected the worst and Nicole volunteered to save you.In fact, she longed to look polished.Women are like this. Where is her boyfriend now? He went downstairs to meet her, and we found them a room in Gauld, but they had to be there by five o'clock. Simon grinned, what a pity! Don't get too excited, honey, they'll be back for dinner. Joey and Claude are sitting in Cavillon's gloomy end-of-the-century café.The first glass of ouzo opens up the appetite for the day.Fast and effective.Second, they both had a great time. Qiao Zai lit a cigarette and felt his back muscles relax.Do you know that hotel I'm going to in Bassie this afternoon?I'm going to deliver the bill. Claude murmured and continued to read the newspaper left by others on the bar. Who do you think I ran into at lunch there?A Mercedes as big as a house waited outside, with a driver in livery.What a treat! Claude looked up, Mitterrand?They said he came here.Who is the other one?Jack.Lang (Note: Jack Lang, a French politician, served as the French Minister of Culture, and Minister of Education.)? Qiao Zai shook his head. Do you still remember the incident with the Marseille ambulance a few years ago?The police took the man into the car and it was all in the paper, but they couldn't do anything about him.He came out so easily and sued one of the newspapers that he was a gangster.Qiao Tsai shook his head again, drank his drink, in short, it was him.He was wearing a suit, tie, and gold watch, and he was eating with the Englishman. so what?Everyone has to eat lunch. But what would a great man like him from Marseilles do in this small village?You come and tell me. Claudmore rubbed his cheeks, pondered, then gave up, shrugging, maybe he liked the food there.Maybe that's why. certainly.Maybe I'll hire a driver when I go out tomorrow.Thinking of the pizza and the lonely night in front of him, Qiao Zai couldn't help sighing, damn it!What can you do with tens of thousands of francs? Claude smiled at him and patted him on the back, can you hire me and let me be your driver, we can visit all the kilns, or do you just think about the cook? The sunset that evening had a vulgar and angry color, and the sound of thunder in the distance made the guests on the terrace look up from the delicious food in front of them.The air was stagnant and stuffy.If you listen carefully, you may also notice a sudden cessation of the dry call of the cicada. Simon and Ennis help out at the bar.They had already visited each table at the beginning of the meal, and now that the main course was served and the second bottle of wine was opened, the pace of the meal began to slow down.At this moment, it is called the United Nations, and there are more foreigners than French.That, Simon thought, is the beauty of doing business in the Luberon.Sunshine attracts northerners of all nationalities, and even if the Dutch have a bad year, the Swedes may be well-off, or the British (including his incredibly rich ex-wife).Simon was briefly intercepted by Caroline, before escaping on the pretext of an urgent matter in the kitchen.She will definitely try again. At the same time, he is fascinated by a couple sitting nearby.Uncle William, who was wearing a surprisingly clean and ironed coat, was chatting with Bernie.Pike talked, pausing now and then to take a sip of his drink. Simon nodded at them, well, what's going on over there? Ennis sighed and said: Dear William, that naughty fellow, I really like him.I happened to mention that Bernie's father was quite rich.Maybe that gave William the idea of ​​taking the boy as his apprentice. no doubt.But who pays? Ennis coughed softly in embarrassment, it's like this, because he wants to paint my portrait, I will pay William a small deposit in advance. Well, your heart is so soft!Simon left the bar and made his way to Uncle William's seat.The old man raised his head, his face was rosy and shiny. Children, join us!join us!Leave business alone and have a drink with us.He held up the bottle and looked at it dejectedly.The damn wine bottles are getting smaller and smaller every year, have you noticed? Simon ordered another bottle of wine, asked for a glass, and pulled up a chair.Bernie, how are you? Very well, that Mrs. Pan is a great cook, isn't she?Her lamb shank bun was the best thing I've ever had.I can swear to God. When the wine was brought, Uncle William interrupted their conversation. He said: Cheers to art, friendship and helping hands across the sea! Before Simon could ask him who had helped him, Uncle William approached him and took his leather cigar case from his shirt pocket.As he moved and babbled with gusto, this delightful young man discussed with me the possibility of doing a portrait of his father.His father was a giant traveling through Texas, probably on horseback, or on the family farm.He paused and lit his cigar. Bernie grinned, William, I hate to tell you, but my father lives on Park Avenue.He seldom cares about horses. Uncle William breathed contemptuous smoke from his mouth.Children, these are small sections, small sections, the important thing is to capture the person's expression, his vision and characteristics.He drank heavily, and of course I had to spend some time with him to absorb his personality, but I'm not afraid to travel.As far as I know, your father owns a plane, doesn't he? He owns a 707 and several helicopters. Oh well!Uncle William put Simon's cigar case back in his pocket and sat back in his seat.What could be simpler? A storm from the west brought cold air.Lightning flashed across the top of the mountain, and the sky seemed to explode.At this moment, all conversations ceased. Uncle William said: Great!The cruelest masterpiece of nature!Inspiration.I thought, I need a bottle of cognac. The second very close and violent thunder sounded, everyone flinched instinctively, and all the lights in the restaurant were extinguished.In the darkness of the terrace, save for the flickering of candles, an Englishman could be heard making nervous comments about drinking and merrymaking.Then, it began to rain. Heavy raindrops hit the canvas umbrella and bounced off the slate to knee height, and all the guests were soaked from top to bottom.Everyone staggered and avoided, entered the dark restaurant, trampled many glasses, the wet guests rushed to push each other, women screamed, men cursed, Uncle William clamored for a lifeboat, and he was the first A man fleeing a downpour into a dry corner of a bar, looking for brandy by the light of a match. Ennis had already assembled the waiters and asked them to hand out candles.When the light replaced the darkness, the impact of a thunderstorm was clearly in front of my eyes.The guest stood on the puddle he had dripped, his hair collapsed and his clothes stuck to his body.Simon went upstairs with a candle, and Franseva held a towel in her arms, and distributed it to the dripping guests. Everyone's reaction to the surprise was mixed.Calm and delighted, Ennis, joined Uncle William, stood behind the bar, serving drinks to those in need.After being busy in the kitchen for a while, Mrs. Pan came over with a bottle of wine and a candle.Caroline, whose clothes were soiled and her hairstyle was restyled by the rain, was drenched all over and looked dispirited.With a beer in one hand and a French dictionary in the other, Bernie continued to study the language with Franseva.As for most of the guests, after experiencing such a small accident and having free drinks, most of them can respond with humor. Caroline, who was wrapped in wet silk clothes, walked over with displeasure written on her face. Simon and Nicole were looking at the bill at the bar. Simon, I have something to tell you. Speak! Jonathan's car was flooded and he took the top down. Simon sighed and rubbed his eyes.It had been a long, hard day, and there were probably hours to go before he could go to bed.I'll get someone to call a taxi for you. Caroline didn't want to take a taxi.I hope you can get someone to drive us back to Gould, I think that seems like too much to expect.She brushed the hair from her forehead, and the dress clung to her curvy bosom. Very good!Uncle William staggered along the bar, his eyes trying to focus.Wish I were twenty years younger!He stopped in front of Caroline, leaned towards her, and said with a smile: Dear lady, I tell you, as an artist, as an aesthetic apprentice, I can tell you that I have never seen anything like yours. Beautiful boobs.Is there any chance that you can be my model? Caroline was quite indignant at the insult. Of course, you can go naked if you want.Uncle William went on: I can imagine you in a dark boudoir, with light and shadow interlacing, covering every curve and depression.Have a drink?He shook it slightly as he handed out a large glass filled with cognac. Simon let out a sneering laugh.Caroline glared at him.You probably think that this disgusting old man is very interesting!She turned away, calling out to Jonathan angrily. In my opinion, the hips are not bad either!Uncle William gave a loud voice of admiration while observing, they are also beautiful babies, look at them William!Simon took the glass from Uncle William, you should go to bed! boy, i promise.Which room does she live in? Simon shook his head and turned to Nicole to make sure he didn't start biting.I'd better go and help the happy couple. He picked up a flashlight and an umbrella from the reception office.Caroline waited at the door, looking out into the dark night.Simon shone the light into the parking lot and saw Jonathan wrestling with the half-open Porsche. Caroline says: "The darn thing is stuck!Can you think of a way? Ten minutes later, with the hood still stuck, the two wet men finally gave up.Simon called a taxi.Caroline asked for a towel, sat on it, and asked Jonathan why he was so stupid that the hood wouldn't even come down.Simon was sure the complaints would continue all the way to Gould.Simon remembered clearly that Caroline complained with vigor, and he finally breathed a sigh of relief watching the headlights disappear into the mountains.Now, he told himself, all I needed was electricity, a hot bath, and twelve hours of sleep, and then I could rejoice in the joys of running a hotel.He stood alone at the reception counter, still dripping, thinking longingly of Knightsbridge and Madison Avenue.