Chapter 156: Upright People Fear No Crooked Shadows

Gu Yanshen shook his head: "I only heard the sound, didn't see anyone."

"But judging from the tone and wording, it doesn't seem like a petty jealous minor, more like someone familiar with internal rules, who knows how to poke the system to attract attention."

"Moreover, they mentioned the name 'Liu Ke', but I'm not sure which department that is."

Liu Ke? Liu Wen Bin?

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan exchanged a glance, both seeing the chill in each other's eyes.

The warning from Liu Wen Bin earlier in the day was indeed not just idle talk!

Jiang Jianguo furrowed his brows, his fingers lightly tapping the table: "It seems someone wants to muddy the waters, linking Chongsu with the Incubation Park, then using Demolition Compensation as a pretext, hoping to kill two birds with one stone—damage Chongsu's reputation and possibly hinder the Incubation Park project's progress, even… splash the dirty water onto those who support the project."

His analysis made the atmosphere even heavier.

If it were just business competition or jealousy, it would be manageable.

But once it involves internal power struggles and whistleblowing, the nature becomes far more complex and dangerous.

"Dad, what should we do? Should we just wait for them to write black material?" Jiang Jiaojiao asked anxiously.

"We definitely can't wait." Jiang Jianguo's gaze swept over his son and daughter‑in‑law, "But we also can't act rashly. They're only discussing now; the documents haven't been submitted yet."

"We must get ahead, solidify our actions, making ourselves unbeatable."

He looked at Su Ruan and Jiang Ran: "First, the whole story of the Demolition Compensation—every contract, invoice, bank statement—must be organized meticulously, ready to prove our innocence at any time."

"Second, the Incubation Park negotiations must follow proper procedures; you must keep all communication records and meeting minutes with the Planning Office as solid evidence."

"Third, and most importantly—Chongsu's own operations must be taken to the next level!"

"Speak with real performance, reputation, and future growth potential!"

"As long as your value is big enough that the higher‑ups see this project as inseparable from Chongsu as a benchmark, those petty tricks can't shake the foundation!"

Jiang Ran felt a heat rise in his chest, nodded vigorously: "Dad, I get it! We have to forge ourselves into an iron plate!"

Su Ruan inhaled deeply, her thoughts clearing: "Dad is right. We can't let them lead us by the nose into a passive self‑exoneration. We must strike proactively, responding with better development."

"The cooperation with the Chen Family of Guangzhou must accelerate, the new series design must be rushed, and store management and service must keep improving."

"Also, for the Planning Office's forum, we need to be better prepared, propose more constructive proposals, and showcase our professionalism and value."

"Good!" Gu Yanshen agreed, "Direct hard power is the best defense. Over at the courtyard, I'll keep a closer eye, and tell you promptly of any wind or rustle."

Jiang Nainai had been listening quietly, then slowly spoke, her voice aged yet calming: "Children, don't be afraid. If you do no wrong, you needn't fear ghosts knocking at midnight."

"We act righteously and walk straight, the heavens watch us. Those who plot evil will have their own retribution. You just keep forging ahead; we at home will watch over you."

Li Huijuan, eyes reddened, nodded: "Right! Mom is right! As a family united, there's no hurdle we can't overcome!"

The family's warmth and support dispelled the midnight chill and initial panic.

After seeing off Gu Yanshen and Jiang Jiaojiao, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran returned to their room, yet neither felt sleepy.

Jiang Ran sat on the bedside, his fists cracking, his gaze fierce: "Liu Wen Bin, that bastard! It has to be him! The last time on the street he was snide, then turned around to cause trouble! Does he think I'm made of mud?"

Su Ruan walked up to him, placed a hand to smooth his furrowed brow, her voice gentle yet strong: "Jiang Ran, now is not the time to be ferocious. Dad is right; we must retaliate with a smarter approach."

She paused, a sharp glint in her eye, "He wants to use connections and profit transfers as a pretext, right? Then we'll put every process out in the sunlight."

"Starting tomorrow, we'll organize all correspondence and records with the Planning Office. We'll also re‑catalog the Demolition Compensation details."

"We could even proactively invite a trusted journalist, like Editor Shen, to do a deeper report titled 'How Local Brands Seize Opportunities and Meet Challenges', laying out our efforts and plans."

"Sometimes, transparency is the best armor."

Jiang Ran grasped her hand, pressed it to his cheek, feeling her cool fingertips and the strength within her calm.

He calmed, his gaze steadied: "Wife, you're the clear‑headed one. Right, we won't hide or conceal, we'll be open and let them see!"

"Let them see how we earn our money, how we built the store step by step, how we earned opportunities through skill!"

He pulled Su Ruan down to sit, his tone excited: "And the Chen Family! We must fast‑track the second batch of cooperation, produce results quickly! When the Co‑branded Series sells like hotcakes, that'll be the best proof of our strength! See who still dares to babble!"

The tense preparation days flew by, and before we knew it, it was the day before the Planning Office's first intent‑to‑enter‑enterprise forum.

In the Chongsu backyard workshop, lights burned bright, the air filled with the roasted scent of freshly ironed fabric and a faint whiff of machine oil.

The final batch of Ready‑made Clothing for tomorrow's showcase was undergoing final sorting and quality checks.

Su Ruan carefully draped a dark‑green velvet gown from the Art Realm Series onto a mannequin, meticulously adjusting each fold.

Under the lights, the velvet glimmered with a subdued, noble sheen, the hand‑stitched beadwork at the waist sparkling like night stars.

She had been pulling three consecutive nights tweaking details; a faint blue shadow lingered in her eyes, yet her expression was focused, as if completing a work of art.

Jiang Ran carried in a steaming cup of oat‑milk elixir, and this was the scene he saw.

The dim yellow light outlined her slender yet upright silhouette, a few strands of hair damp with sweat clinging to her fair neck.

He felt a tug in his heart, softened his steps and walked over.

"Wife, take a break, have something hot."

He placed the cup by her hand, his voice low and gentle, fearing to disturb her focus.

Su Ruan finally snapped back, took the warm cup, fingertips touching, feeling the roughness and warmth of his palm.

She lifted her eyes, smiled at him, the smile bearing fatigue and the satisfaction of finishing a piece: "Almost done, just a final check."

Jiang Ran didn't urge her, just stood beside her, watching the gown together.

"So beautiful," he said sincerely, his gaze shifting from the dress to Su Ruan's face, "as beautiful as my wife."