Chapter 150: A Good Omen!

Although the Industry and Commerce Bureau incident happened a few days ago, the atmosphere in the shop is still subtly tense.

That morning, the sun was just right, streaming through the new floor‑to‑ceiling windows and making the Silk Dress from the Art Realm Series on the display rack sparkle with iridescent light.

But the shop only had a handful of customers, making it feel rather quiet.

Yaya, holding a feather duster, waved it intermittently at nonexistent dust, glancing toward the door now and then, whispered, "Douzi, do you think… those people will come back?"

Douzi, who was sorting invoices behind the counter, looked up, furrowing his brows, but said confidently, "No! Jiang BoBo was that impressive that day, didn't you see? Those people ran off with their tails between their legs! Besides, our shop is spotless; what's there to fear from an inspection!"

Even though he said that, his hand sorting the papers pressed unusually hard, and the sheets rustled softly.

In the back‑yard studio, the atmosphere was even heavier.

Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu sat opposite each other, their tea cups already completely cold.

"Old Sun," Wang Shifu sighed, picking up the dry‑smoking pipe on the table without lighting it, "this time… someone must be envious of our shop and has played a dirty hand. The method is really filthy."

Sun Shifu, who had returned from Shanghai and broadened his experience, pushed his old magnifying glass, his voice steady yet cold, "A tall tree attracts wind; it has always been so since ancient times."

"The more critical the moment, the less room we have for any slip in our work. One extra stitch, an inch of hidden thread—those are our confidence."

He picked up a half‑finished Cheongsam he was edging, examined it carefully under the light, as if it were not a garment but a suit of armor.

At that moment, the curtain lifted, and Su Ruan walked in.

She wore her usual gentle smile, holding a few new fabric samples in her hand.

"Wang Shifu, Sun Shifu, perfect timing. Look at these fabrics; I think they'd be great for a spring‑style tailored suit trousers—structured yet still drapes nicely. What do you think?"

Her tone was relaxed and natural, as if the tense inspection from a few days earlier had never occurred.

Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu exchanged a glance, each seeing a hint of relief in the other's eyes.

Wang Shifu took the fabric, his rough fingers rubbing it, and nodded, "Hmm, good material. Boss Su, you're truly resolute."

Su Ruan smiled, a clear light in her eyes, "We earn our living through Handcraft and conscience; what's there to be uncertain about? We do what needs to be done."

"By the way, Sun Shifu, that custom‑ordered Su‑embroidered Cheongsam with the gradient transition of Peony Flower petals still needs a bit more of your care."

"Don't worry, leave it to me." Sun Shifu replied briefly, picking up his needle and thread again.

From the front of the shop, Jiang Ran's voice, smiling, called out, "Li Yi, you finally made it! Come quickly and see the new treasures we've set aside especially for you!"

Su Ruan heard the voice, nodded to the two masters, and stepped out.

She saw Jiang Ran warmly greeting a well‑dressed, dignified middle‑aged woman,

who was one of the shop's most loyal longtime customers, the spouse of Director Li, whose husband works at an agency.

She wore her usual modest smile, but her eyes scanned the shop quickly as she entered, as if confirming something.

"Boss Jiang, Boss Su," Director Li's wife said upon seeing Su Ruan, her smile deepening, "I heard there was a little trouble in the shop the past two days… all resolved?"

Her question was indirect, but the concern was evident.

Su Ruan stepped forward, poured a cup of hot tea herself and handed it over, her tone gentle and frank, "Thank you for worrying, Li Yi. It was just a minor misunderstanding; once we cooperate with the investigation and clear it up, it'll be fine."

"It's also a good chance for everyone to see that every stitch and thread of Chongsu stands up to scrutiny."

She said this, looking at the other party with a calm gaze.

Jiang Ran chimed in beside her, half‑joking, half‑serious, "Exactly! Li Yi, you're a longtime patron of our shop; you still don't know what kind of people we are?"

"When people see our business thriving, they get jealous and set traps—that's normal! We're upright, not afraid of any shadow."

His words were blunt yet carried a bit of cheeky vigor, which made Director Li's wife laugh, the last of her doubts fading, "You two, one steady and one lively, partnering in business—no wonder the shop thrives so well."

She turned to the display rack, her eyes immediately drawn to the newly arrived Co‑branded Series, "Oh my, these are…"

"These are the new co‑branded pieces we received from our partner in Guangzhou, called 'South Wind North'."

Su Ruan introduced them in time, picking up the off‑white trench coat.

"Feel the fabric and look at the cut. We think it especially suits your temperament."

Director Li's wife touched it, her eyes brightening, "The feel… really nice!"

She examined the workmanship and details carefully, nodding.

"Wrap it up for me, just this one. By the way, I'm heading to the Provincial Capital next month for a conference and was worried I didn't have a suitable coat."

The order was sealed effortlessly, and more importantly, the longtime customer's concrete action expressed trust and support for Chongsu.

When Director Li's wife left, her smile was noticeably more sincere.

Watching her walk away, Jiang Ran leaned toward Su Ruan's ear, lowering his voice with a hint of pride, "Wife, see? Real gold isn't afraid of fire! Our goods are good; we're not afraid of being unrecognized!"

Su Ruan scolded him with a glance, then gave a small smile.

At that moment, the phone on the counter rang sharply, "ding‑ling‑ling."

Douzi, being nearby, answered, "Hello, this is Chongsu Clothing Store… huh? Long‑distance from Guangzhou? One moment, please!"

He immediately covered the handset, exclaiming excitedly to Jiang Ran and Su Ruan, "Brother Jiang! Sister Su! Guangzhou! Long‑distance call!"

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan felt a simultaneous stir and hurried over.

Jiang Ran took the handset, inhaled deeply, "Hello, this is Jiang Ran."

On the other end, Chen Qiwen's clear, excited voice came through, slightly distorted by the line but unable to hide the joy.

"Jiang Sheng! It's me, Qiwén! Have you received the Sample Garment? How does it feel?"

Jiang Ran's face instantly broke into a smile, repeatedly saying, "Received, received! Mr. Chen, your craftsmanship is truly beyond praise!"

"My wife and I have both seen it, very satisfied! It's even better than we expected!"

"That's great! That's great!" Chen Qiwen's laughter rang out, "My wife keeps saying that Miss Su's designs and our craftsmanship are a perfect match!"

"Jiang Sheng, we've already set things in motion here; the first small‑batch production will follow our prior agreement—one hundred pieces sent to you, and one hundred kept at our store for trial sales."

"I faxed you the pricing and promotion plan; did you receive it?"

"Received, just got it this morning and am studying it!" Jiang Ran said, giving Su Ruan a look.

Su Ruan immediately went to the counter to retrieve that fax.

"Good!" Chen Qiwen's tone grew solemn, "Jiang Sheng, Miss Su, this collaboration's start is smooth—a good omen."

My wife asked me to tell Miss Su that she is very looking forward to the next design exchange.

He paused, his voice lowered slightly, carrying a friend's concern.

Also… over here, I've vaguely heard some rumors that over your side… have you recently encountered a little trouble?