Chapter 157: Today I Serve You

Su Ruan's face flushed, and she scolded him with a glance: "Slick‑tongued."

Inside, it felt as if that cup of Malt Milk Essence had ironed her heart, warm and cozy.

"I'm serious," Jiang Ran leaned closer, almost against her ear, his breath warm, "After tomorrow's forum ends and this batch of clothes is delivered, you must give me a good sleep."

"Look at those red eyes, I feel sorry for you."

His tone was low, bearing unquestionable concern and a hint of dominance.

Su Ruan's ears tingled; she gave a soft "mm," sipped the Malt Milk Essence in small sips, the sweet warm liquid sliding down her throat, dispelling the dryness and chill of staying up late.

The two were speaking softly when a slightly hurried voice came from the front shop: "Brother Jiang! Sister Su! Someone's looking for you!"

At this hour?

Su Ruan and Jiang Ran met each other's gaze, both seeing the other's puzzled eyes.

Jiang Ran patted her shoulder: "I'll go check; you finish the clothes and then come out."

At the front shop, under the light stood two people, an elder and a youth.

The older man was about fifty, wearing work clothes faded from washing, his face honest yet restrained.

The younger, in his early twenties, had eyebrows and eyes somewhat resembling the elder's, bright‑eyed, curiously surveying the shop's furnishings.

"Excuse me, are you…" Jiang Ran stepped forward and asked.

The elder rubbed his hands, speaking a bit hurriedly: "You… you are Boss Jiang, right? I am surnamed Ma, called Ma Youfu, and this is my son, Ma Xiaojun."

"We… are from Lin County, heard you recruit good tailors here, and… want to enter some Incubation Park, to grow big and strong…"

So they came to apply as masters? Jiang Ran was a bit surprised.

The job posting had been released, but coming from Lin County this late was a first.

"Master Ma, hello. I am Jiang Ran. We do have a hiring need, but…"

Jiang Ran surveyed the father‑son pair; Master Lao Ma's hands bore thick calluses and his demeanor was steady, clearly someone who'd spent years working with needles, thread, and fabric.

Xiao Ma, though young, had a clear gaze and long fingers.

"Boss Jiang," Master Lao Ma, seeing Jiang Ran's hesitation, quickly explained, "We're not here to cause trouble. I've been doing tailoring for over thirty years; back where I'm from I'm somewhat known."

"But the Garment Factory in the county closed, so the work stopped."

"Heard you not only need Handcraft but also can keep up with new things, can enter the big park… my son finished middle school, quick‑witted, and willing to learn new machines."

"I thought, I can't let my child end up like me, clinging to Handcraft and starving. So… I came boldly."

He spoke plainly, even a bit clumsy, but his dedication to Handcraft and yearning for the future moved Jiang Ran.

At that moment, Su Ruan, having finished arranging the clothes, stepped out.

"Boss Su," Master Lao Ma, seeing Su Ruan, grew more nervous, tugged his son, "Quick, call someone."

"Hello, Boss Su," Ma Xiaojun's voice was crisp, full of youthful vigor.

Su Ruan smiled gently: "Master Ma, Comrade Xiao Ma, don't be nervous. Have you eaten? Coming here so late on the road?"

"We… have eaten, had two buns at the station," Master Lao Ma answered honestly.

Su Ruan gave Jiang Ran a look; Jiang Ran understood, smiling, "You haven't eaten yet, right? Douzi, go to Aunt Zhang at the street corner and see if there are any dumplings left, buy two bowls of hot ones. Master Ma, Xiao Ma, have a seat and speak."

The hot dumplings went down, and the Ma family's restraint lessened considerably.

Su Ruan and Jiang Ran carefully asked about their Handcraft specialties and work experience, then presented a challenging piece of material and a simple design pattern, asking Master Lao Ma to examine them on the spot.

Master Lao Ma put on his reading glasses, studied the pattern, felt the material, pondered briefly, then suggested several possible cutting and stitching methods, even pointing out a tiny detail in the pattern that might make the garment uncomfortable, recommending a slight alteration.

In the conversation, his years‑long immersion in the trade and expertise were unmistakable.

Although Xiao Ma lacked practical experience, he listened intently and was able to ask a few spot‑on questions about the new Edge Locking Machine his father mentioned.

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

The Handcraft was solid, the character seemed plain, and the willingness to learn—exactly what they needed.

"Master Ma," Su Ruan began, solemnly, "To be frank, we are indeed hiring and preparing to move into the government‑supported Incubation Park. In the future we need senior masters with strong Handcraft and young people eager to learn."

"We have seen your Handcraft, it's excellent. If you don't mind our shop being small and are willing to work together, we warmly welcome you."

"Regarding compensation, a base salary plus piecework commission; details can be discussed. If Xiao Ma is willing, he can start as an apprentice—we provide training."

Master Lao Ma, excited, his hands trembling, said: "Boss Su, Boss Jiang, you… you really are willing to take us in? We'll work hard! No slacking!"

Thus the matter was settled. After sending off the grateful Ma father‑son duo, having arranged to start work after the New Year, it was already deep night.

Closing the shop door, the world seemed to fall silent at once, leaving only the two of them.

The fatigue of the past days seemed to surge at that moment, and Su Ruan couldn't help but let out a small yawn.

Jiang Ran, seeing the weariness in her eyes, said nothing, walked over and hoisted her sideways in a hug.

"Ah! Jiang Ran! What are you doing!" Su Ruan startled, quickly clutched his neck.

"I'm taking my wife home to sleep," Jiang Ran said confidently, carrying her steadily outward, "Today think of nothing; even if the sky falls, we'll deal with it tomorrow."

The night breeze was mildly cool, pleasant against the face.

Su Ruan was initially a bit embarrassed, but soon relaxed, resting her head on his solid warm chest, listening to his steady, strong heartbeat.

His arms were strong, his embrace steady, as if able to shield her from all wind, rain, and fatigue.

"Heavy?" she whispered.

"Very light," Jiang Ran lowered his head, kissed the top of her head, and kept walking, "You need to eat more, make my wife plumper."

Moonlight spilled over the empty street, stretching their shadows long as they huddled close.

Returning to the Jiang Family Courtyard, Li Huijuan still had the lights on; seeing Jiang Ran enter holding Su Ruan, she first stared, then smiled knowingly, asked nothing, and simply pointed to the kitchen: "The stove has chicken soup warming; drink it before sleeping."

He carefully laid Su Ruan on the bed, and Jiang Ran truly went to the kitchen and ladled two bowls of chicken soup.

The two sat at the bedside, drinking quietly.

The warm broth carried the taste of home, nourishing their weary bodies and minds.

After finishing the soup, Jiang Ran fetched hot water, wrung a hot towel, and without hesitation wiped Su Ruan's face and hands.

"I'll do it myself…" Su Ruan tried to take the towel.

"Don't move." Jiang Ran pressed her hand, his voice low and gentle, "Let me attend to you today."

The warm towel brushed across her cheek and neck, bringing a wave of comfortable relaxation.

Su Ruan closed her eyes, allowing him to take care of her.

After wiping, Jiang Ran squatted again, removed her shoes and socks, and placed her feet into the warm water basin.

The soles of her feet were gently massaged by his rough yet tender palms, a tingling sensation spreading up her calves, and Su Ruan felt so comfortable she almost let out a sigh.

The tension, anxiety, and fatigue of the past days seemed to dissipate little by little within this silent care.

"Jiang Ran…" her voice was soft and honeyed, tinged with drowsiness.