Chapter 152: Good Things One After Another

Su Ruan looks at the copy of the interview outline left by Shen Man, her eyes sparkling: "It's a great opportunity. If we can get it published, it will greatly boost Chongsu's brand image and attract more outside customers."

She then says seriously: "But the more such a moment arrives, the more we must stay steady. Before the magazine is out, every aspect of the shop must be flawless."

"Understood!" Jiang Ran nods forcefully, "I'll go tomorrow to Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu to reinforce quality control, and also smooth out the reception procedures over at Douzi Yaya."

As the two were speaking, the phone on the counter rang again.

This time it was Jiang Jiaojiao calling, her voice brimming with uncontainable excitement and mystery: "Ranran! RuanRuan! Guess who came looking for me? No, it's Gu Yanshen, but it also involves me! Great news! Come home for dinner tonight, I'll explain in detail! Remember to come back early!"

She hung up abruptly after the vague remark, leaving Jiang Ran and Su Ruan looking bewildered.

"What wind is my sister catching this time?" Jiang Ran muttered.

Su Ruan, however, seemed thoughtful: "Sister Jiaojiao sounded so delighted and said it involved Brother Gu... maybe it's truly good news."

That evening, back at the Jiang Family Courtyard, the atmosphere at the dinner table was indeed different.

Jiang Jiaojiao's eyebrows rose with excitement, and Gu Yanshen sat beside her, a gentle smile at the corner of his mouth.

Even Li Huijuan and Jiang Nainai wore joyful expressions, and although Jiang Jianguo remained composed, his eyes also showed satisfaction.

"What exactly is it, sis? You've been teasing all afternoon," Jiang Ran asked impatiently as soon as he sat down.

Jiang Jiaojiao cleared her throat and deliberately spoke slowly: "This afternoon, the leaders of the Design Institute went to talk to Gu Yanshen."

"What did they discuss? A promotion?"

Jiang Ran's eyes lit up.

Gu Yanshen works at the Provincial Architectural Design Institute; he's capable, steady, and his prospects have always been good.

Gu Yanshen took over, his voice calm yet pleased: "It's not a promotion."

"The institute has taken on a major project: the province plans to build a modern textile and apparel industry Incubation Park on the outskirts of our city, near the newly planned Economic Development Zone. It's a pilot project."

"The institute is responsible for the overall planning and the design of some key buildings."

"This is great! It's related to your Design Institute, and to our family..."

Jiang Ran stopped mid‑sentence, eyes widening as he looked at Su Ruan.

Su Ruan's heart jumped.

Jiang Jiaojiao could no longer hold back, slapping the table: "You guessed it, right? The leaders know Gu Yanshen's future brother‑in‑law—that's you, Jiang Ran!"

"And also sister‑in‑law RuanRuan, who runs the 'Chongsu' clothing shop and has a partnership with Guangzhou!"

"So the leaders asked Gu Yanshen, saying the Incubation Park will aim to attract and support local clothing brands like 'Chongsu' that have design capability and growth potential!"

"They asked whether you're interested in being one of the first intended resident brands, taking part in the early planning and requirement discussions!"

This news shocked Su Ruan and Jiang Ran even more than the Provincial Capital magazine interview.

An Incubation Park? Government support? First‑batch residency?

This is no longer just a simple development opportunity; it's an official stage set for them to perform!

"Really... really?" Jiang Ran's voice was a bit hoarse, "Can our little shop... qualify?"

Gu Yanshen nodded affirmatively: "The leaders specifically looked into it. They've been monitoring Chongsu's design reputation, business model, especially the recent Guangzhou collaboration and how you handled the crisis."

"They think Chongsu fits the Incubation Park's goal of nurturing local original design talent and exploring a branding path," he said, glancing at Jiang Jiaojiao, his smile deepening, "and since you're family of mine and Jiaojiao, the institute feels reassured."

Jiang Jianguo spoke then, his voice steady and strong: "This is a once‑in‑a‑millennium opportunity. Once resident, Chongsu will enter the government's key support spotlight, gaining policy, resources, even promotional advantages."

"But likewise, the responsibility is heavier and the demands higher."

"You must be ready; every future action may represent not only yourselves but also the Incubation Park and even the local business image."

Li Huijuan was both happy and worried: "So... does that mean we have to invest a lot of money? The space in the park will surely have expensive rent, right?"

Gu Yanshen explained: "Initially it's mainly about joining the discussions and presenting requirements."

"The specific residency criteria and preferential policies are still being drafted."

"But since it's support, there will be substantial rent and tax benefits, possibly even startup subsidies."

"The key is that your design ability and brand potential have been recognized."

Su Ruan only felt her heart surging.

The magazine interview brings fame; the Incubation Park residency is a concrete platform and future!

She took a deep breath and looked at Jiang Ran.

Jiang Ran also stared at her, a blazing fire in his eyes—a yearning for a bigger stage and a desire to conquer.

He gripped Su Ruan's hand, which lay under the table, firmly, and said, "Do it! Must do it!"

"Sweetheart, this is a huge wind that will launch our 'Chongsu' to the heavens! We must set the sails full and catch it properly!"

Su Ruan returned the grip, nodded heavily, turned to Gu Yanshen and Jiang Jiaojiao, and said sincerely, "Brother Gu, Sister Jiaojiao, thank you!"

"Please also tell the leaders that Chongsu is honored to receive this opportunity and will prepare earnestly and participate actively!"

Jiang Nainai was so delighted she couldn't close her mouth, repeatedly chanting, "Good, good, all good children! Our family is set to prosper more and more!"

The meal was filled with joy and boundless anticipation for the future.

【11】 Late at night, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran lay in bed, yet neither could sleep.

Late at night, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran lie on the bed, but neither feels sleepy.

"Sweetheart," Jiang Ran said, eyes open in the darkness, his voice clear from excitement, "I feel... like I'm dreaming."

"One good thing after another, the good fortune is making me a bit nervous."

Su Ruan leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "It's not a dream. It's the accumulation of each step we've taken, landing on the right spots."

"Design, quality, cooperation, and how we handled crises have all been seen," she paused, "but as dad said, the bigger the platform, the heavier the responsibility. From now on, we must work even harder."

"Hmm!" Jiang Ran rolled over, pulling her close, his chin brushing the top of her hair, "No matter how big the platform, we remain ourselves."

"You draw the designs, I run the errands; together we'll make 'Chongsu' resound! Let the Provincial Capital magazine praise us, let the Incubation Park become a model!"

The news of the Provincial Capital magazine interview hasn't been digested, and the excitement of the Incubation Park invitation burns even more, keeping people awake.

In the darkness, Jiang Ran felt his blood surge, not from fatigue but from a boundless energy ignited by the huge opportunity.

He turned his body, his arm draped over Su Ruan's waist, his palm feeling the soft curve and subtle rise and fall of breath beneath her thin nightgown.