Chapter 146: Envy

"This matter, for now it's hard to say whether it's a blessing or a disaster," Jiang Jianguo regained his usual composure and analyzed, "The Demolition Compensation is a good thing, but a tall tree attracts wind."

"The compensation for the three buildings is not a small sum. Once the news spreads, who knows how many people will be envious."

"In our family, there is Ranran and you two as a young couple; from now on you must act even more low‑key and cautious."

"Exactly!" Jiang Nainai nodded repeatedly, "We must not let wealth show; the ancestors' saying has truth to it."

"This money came too suddenly; it may not be a complete blessing. It still depends on whether we can handle it and keep it steady."

Jiang Jiaojiao had recovered from shock, her cheeks flushing with excitement: "Oh my! My brother and sister‑in‑law have become demolition households! And it's three buildings! How much money is that! Is our family about to get rich?"

"Dad, Mom, Grandma, don't worry," Su Ruan said, her voice clear and firm, "This money is a windfall, but we won't let it disrupt our steps."

"The shop is our foundation; we will continue to run it well. This sum… we've decided: part will be used to improve home life and honor our elders."

"The majority we intend to invest in the business, or to seek more stable and promising investments."

Jiang Ran nodded promptly, "Right! RuanRuan and I have discussed; even without this demolition compensation, we still want to grow our own shop."

"Now that we have this money, it only lets us take bigger, steadier steps. But we won't act recklessly; every step will be discussed with the family."

Hearing the young couple's clear thinking, not being dazzled by the huge sum and still focusing on solid management, Jiang Jianguo and Li Huijuan nodded appreciatively.

The children have grown, with opinions and resolve.

"Fine," Jiang Jianguo decided, "We'll discuss the specifics once the official compensation plan is issued. Until then, no one in the family should say a word to outsiders."

"Ranran, RuanRuan, you both continue as usual with the shop's affairs; do what needs to be done."

"Got it, Dad."

At night, Su Ruan lay on the bed, gazing at the familiar roof silhouette in the darkness.

Her palm still seemed to retain the hard feel of those property deeds.

The long‑awaited surprise finally arrived, bringing not only joy but also a heavy responsibility and careful planning for the future.

Jiang Ran wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, his warm breath brushing her ear.

"Daughter‑in‑law, our gamble has won," he said in a low, reflective voice.

"Hmm," Su Ruan replied softly, leaning back into his embrace, "but the real battle may just be beginning."

Possessing wealth may not be difficult.

The difficulty lies in mastering wealth, turning it into a ladder rather than a vortex.

Early the next morning, someone came to visit, leaving the Jiang family and Su Ruan bewildered.

The threshold of the Jiang Family Courtyard was nearly trampled through.

Besides relatives and friends who came sincerely to congratulate, there were many varied visitors with all sorts of motives.

Some distant relatives previously unrelated suddenly arrived with two cans of food, probing indirectly about the compensation amount, their words hinting, "If you become rich, don't forget us."

Others claimed to be managers of a construction or development firm, dressed in suits, smiling broadly as they handed out business cards, offering to help secure higher compensation or to cooperate on development with generous profit sharing.

Even worse were those who normally had no contact, now with red eyes and sour tones gossiping, "The Jiang family got terrible luck," or "It's all because of Factory Director Jiang's connections that they got the news early."

Jiang Jianguo had anticipated this; although the main gate remained open, any visitor with obvious self‑serving motives was dealt with by him and Li Huijuan, who courteously yet distantly received them, never mentioning specifics, only saying "wait for the official government plan" or "the children will decide themselves."

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan followed their father's advice, keeping a low profile; most of their time was spent in the shop, buried in perfecting the new series and rushing orders, demonstrating their stance through action—

Demolition is an accident; the business is the foundation.

Even so, undercurrents remain turbulent.

That afternoon, Su Ruan was revising a customer's custom Cheongsam in the shop when Douzi stormed in from outside, visibly angry.

"Sister Su! I'm furious!" Douzi's small face flushed red.

"What happened? Take your time," Su Ruan set aside the needle and thread.

"I just went to the post office to mail a letter and heard a few gossiping women on the corner chewing gossip!" Douzi, indignant, "They said… they said Brother Jiang Ran and you originally bought those dilapidated houses, surely you got inside information in advance from Uncle Jiang BoBo, using improper means!"

"They also said you got sudden wealth and might squander it! I was so angry I wanted to confront them, but Yaya stopped me."

Su Ruan's needle paused briefly, then her expression steadied as she continued stitching, "Let them say what they will. Clean Ones Remain Clean; as long as we know the truth, that's enough."

"Douzi, remember, at times like this, arguing is useless and only makes us look guilty. Do our own work; over time the rumors will naturally fade."

Though she said that, her heart was not without ripples.

Words can be terrifying, especially when such huge interests are involved.

This is probably what father and grandma meant by a tall tree attracting wind.

That night at home, she told Jiang Ran and Jiang Jianguo about it.

Jiang Ran burst out, "Bullshit! I earned every cent of the house money myself! If I liked it I bought it, none of their business! Dad, I think someone's just jealous and deliberately slandering us!"

Jiang Jianguo, smoking, his face calm amid the swirling smoke, asked, "Why the rush? Can't you handle a little commotion?"

"What they say is exactly what many people think, right? Suspecting us of abusing power is better than suspecting you of being involved with the black market or illegal deals."

He looked at Jiang Ran and Su Ruan, speaking earnestly, "Many eyes are now on our family."

"Both of you, especially Ranran, keep your temper in check; every word and deed must be especially careful."

"Do what needs to be done: run the shop well, be courteous to neighbors, and to those inquiring, give a uniform answer: say we're lucky, we don't know anything else."

"Before the compensation money is in hand, ignore any investment or cooperation proposals altogether."

"Got it, Dad," Jiang Ran suppressed his anger and replied in a low voice.

Su Ruan also nodded, "Dad, we understand. Our focus remains on the shop."

While the Jiang family cautiously dealt with the sudden wealth's open and hidden attacks, a letter from Guangzhou arrived like timely rain, injecting fresh vigor into the somewhat dull atmosphere.

The letter was written by Mr. and Mrs. Chen Qiwén.

They first inquired whether Su Ruan and Jiang Ran had arrived home safely and whether everything at home was fine.

Then they enthusiastically praised the "South Wind, North Rhythm" series design drawings Su Ruan had sent with the letter.

Mrs. Chen wrote in graceful script, "Miss Su's designs are truly stunning! You blend the elegance of Lingnan with the openness of the north so cleverly; the color and style choices are both precise and bold."