Chapter 148: Someone Reported You

According to the plan set at the family meeting, the allocation of funds proceeded in an orderly manner.

The portion for swapping their parents into a new house and preparing the elder sister's dowry was handled personally by Jiang Jianguo and Li Huijuan.

They have set their sights on a two‑story house with a tranquil environment and a private courtyard, and negotiations are underway.

For the stable‑investment % Capital, Jiang Jianguo leveraged his contacts and insight, began reaching reliable channels, and cautiously researched commercial properties and government bonds.

Su Ruan and Jiang Ran, however, merged their planned % Development Fund with Chongsu's rolling profit capital and launched sweeping actions.

First, the storefront itself received an upgrade.

They took over the neighboring grocery that had closed due to poor management, knocked through the wall, and more than doubled the shop's floor area.

The new premises hired a designer from the Provincial Capital for renovation; the style is minimalist and modern, yet retains a touch of elegant Chinese flavor.

Huge floor‑to‑ceiling glass windows, soft spotlights, a thoughtfully arranged display area, and a comfortable VIP Negotiation Room have completely freed the shop from its former cramped tailor‑shop feel, giving it the semblance of a high‑end fashion house.

The newly introduced Electric Sewing Machines, Edge Locking Machines and other equipment have become beloved tools for Wang Shifu and the other veteran artisans, greatly boosting efficiency.

Douzi and Yaya received more systematic training, learning customer management and basic design knowledge.

Jiang Ran also hired, at a high salary, an elderly tailor Sun Shifu who retired from Shanghai, to oversee high‑end custom work and complex craftsmanship.

At the same time, the Art Realm Series high‑end sub‑series was officially launched.

The first batch of pieces all used the newest imported fabrics supplied by the Chen Family, were meticulously designed by Su Ruan, and crafted jointly by Sun Shifu and Wang Shifu.

Only ten styles were produced, each accompanied by a unique serial number and a designer‑signed card; the price is steep, but the workmanship, design, and fabric are worthy of being called works of art.

The series was not heavily advertised; only the top few longtime clients were notified, and at the internal preview it was snapped up completely, with even queues forming to pre‑order the next batch.

Chongsu's brand image and pricing successfully leapt upward as a result.

The shop's changes are rapid, and Su Ruan and Jiang Ran's gaze has already turned toward farther horizons.

Collaboration with the Chen Family progresses steadily through frequent letters and occasional long‑distance phone calls.

After Su Ruan sent the design Sketch for the new fabric to Guangzhou, it received high praise from Madam Chen and the factory's design team.

Both sides finalized the sampling and production of the first three designs, designating them as a Co‑branded Series under Dual Brand names, planned for Limited Release in the Spring and Autumn Seasons simultaneously in Guangzhou and a northern small town.

The smooth cooperation greatly boosted Jiang Ran and Su Ruan's confidence.

They began earnestly planning the next step—inspecting in Shanghai and Beijing.

This time, it is no longer merely broadening horizons, but moving forward with a clear purpose.

They seek top‑tier fabric suppliers, assess the possibility of entering high‑end malls, and connect with cutting‑edge fashion information and talent.

That morning, the shop had just opened its doors and business was just right.

A few customers were selecting Ready‑made Clothing, Yaya was attending them, and Douzi was helping in the back yard to organize fabrics.

Su Ruan, in the VIP Room, finalized the final details of a dress with an elderly client, while Jiang Ran settled the bill with the fabric supplier at the entrance.

Suddenly, the shop door was shoved open roughly, striking the bell behind it and emitting a harsh, clanging racket.

Three men in Industry and Commerce uniforms entered with composed expressions; the leader was a solemn middle‑aged cadre in his forties.

Behind them followed two people holding notebooks and cameras, looking like reporters.

The relaxed atmosphere inside the shop froze instantly.

The customers stared, bewildered and uncertain, at the scene.

Jiang Ran furrowed his brow and stepped forward: "Comrades, what can I help you with?"

The Senior Cadre flashed an work badge, his voice cold and hard: "We are the County Bureau of Industry and Commerce and Tax Bureau Joint Investigation Team. Following a public report, your clothing shop is suspected of tax evasion, illegal operation, passing off inferior goods as quality, and price fraud!"

"We are now conducting an on‑site investigation according to law; please cooperate!"

Tax evasion? Illegal operation? Passing off inferior goods? Price fraud?

Each term struck like a heavy hammer, crushing Jiang Ran and Su Ruan's hearts!

It also left everyone in the shop stunned!

Su Ruan stepped briskly out of the VIP Room: "Comrades, this must be a misunderstanding. Since opening, our accounts have been clear, we pay taxes lawfully, all operating permits are in order, materials and craftsmanship meet strict standards, prices are transparent and reasonable, and none of the alleged issues exist!"

Whether there's a problem isn't for you to decide!

The Senior Cadre cut her off without courtesy, his sharp gaze sweeping over the newly renovated shop and the prominently displayed price tags.

He lingered a moment on the jaw‑dropping prices of the Art Realm Series, a faint, barely perceptible sneer flickering at the corner of his mouth.

"The renovation is quite grand, and the clothes are pricey. Whether there's excessive profit or any issue, we'll only know after the investigation!"

"Please produce all your ledgers, purchase invoices, sales records, business licenses, and tax registration certificates! We will verify each one!"

The two behind him immediately began photographing the shop's garments and price tags, while the other produced a seal, intending to lock up the back‑yard warehouse and the account books!

"Hold on!" Jiang Ran stepped in front of the warehouse door, blood rushing, veins bulging at his temples, "Investigation is fine, but you need proper procedures!"

"You decide to investigate, you decide to seal—on what grounds?"

"Also, what are those taking photos behind you doing?"

"Are they from the Industry and Commerce Bureau or reporters? Before the investigation results are out, who authorized you to photograph and report?"

"What are you trying to do? Bring our shop down?!"

His voice rose with anger, carrying an unmistakable defiant vigor.

Having weathered many storms, he is no longer the rash youngster who solved problems only with fists, yet his instinct to protect his family and business remains strong.

The Senior Cadre seemed unprepared for Jiang Ran's firmness, his face growing even gloomier: "Comrade Jiang Ran, watch your attitude!"

"Cooperating with the investigation is the duty of every citizen and operator! Our paperwork is complete!"

"As for the reporter comrades, they are there to document the enforcement process, ensuring openness and transparency! Your obstruction of law enforcement suggests you're resisting the inspection?"

"Openness and transparency?" Jiang Ran sneered, "I think there's an ulterior motive!"

"First we secured Demolition Compensation, then someone reported it; you show up so late, and even bring reporters?"

"Is this a lawful investigation, or is someone trying to sully Chongsu?"

Those words almost laid bare the conspiracy behind it.

Senior Cadre's eyes flickered for a moment, but they quickly resumed a hard stance: "Don't cause trouble and entangle us! Reporting and demolition are two different matters! We only look at evidence! Move aside!"