Chapter 158: I Didn't Embarrass You, Did I?

"Hm?" He lowered his head, focusing on massaging her ankle.

"Tomorrow... we'll go smoothly, right?"

Jiang Ran lifted his head, looking at her in the dim yellow light, his gaze steady and gentle: "We will. With you, with me, with our Lao Ma, with Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu, with Douzi Yaya... and with Mom, Dad, Grandma, sister, brother‑in‑law's support. We've prepared for so long; there's no reason it wouldn't go smoothly."

He dried her foot, tucked her into the quilt, quickly finished washing up himself and slipped back in, stretched out his long arm and pulled her tightly into his embrace.

His body heat was scorching, dispelling the winter night's chill.

Su Ruan, like an exhausted cat, curled up in his arms, finding the most comfortable spot.

"Sleep," Jiang Ran's chin brushed the crown of her hair, his voice low and hypnotic, "Tomorrow, it's on us."

"Hmm."

Su Ruan mumbled a response, the scent of his reassuring presence lingering at her nose tip, her eyelids heavy and drooping.

At the moment before drifting to sleep, she felt a feather‑light kiss land on her brow.

The Incubation Park prospective tenant enterprise forum was held in a bright, spacious conference room of the municipal government.

Nearly twenty people sat around the long table, besides Comrade Zhou and Comrade Wu of the Planning Office.

Also present were representatives from several other locally pre‑selected garment and textile companies.

Some produced Ready‑made Clothing in bulk, others specialized in distinctive fabrics; all were larger in scale than Chongsu, but mostly followed traditional routes.

Su Ruan and Jiang Ran sat near the front.

Su Ruan wore her own designed ivory‑colored fitted suit‑skirt, her hair neatly tied up, light makeup applied, exuding a gentle yet capable aura.

Jiang Ran wore a crisp dark‑gray tailored Zhongshan suit, giving him a straight posture, his eyes bright, having restrained his usual flamboyance, adding a touch of steadiness.

The meeting began, and Comrade Zhou first presented the Incubation Park's overall plan, support policies, and development vision.

When it was the turn of enterprise representatives to speak, the earlier few mostly complained about high costs, difficulty recruiting workers, narrow sales channels, hoping the government would provide more subsidies and pull more orders.

When it was Chongsu's turn, Jiang Ran stood up first.

He had no script, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, finally resting on Comrades Zhou and Wu, his voice resonant and clear: "Leaders, fellow industry peers, I am Jiang Ran. Chongsu is not large, but our ideas may be a bit different."

"We don't primarily rely on the government for orders; we aim to create our own orders, reaching the Provincial Capital, reaching Guangzhou, and even farther in the future!"

As those words were spoken, the conference room fell silent for a moment, many showing surprise or a dismissive expression.

Jiang Ran remained unhurried, continuing: "What do we rely on? First, on unique designs."

He gestured toward Su Ruan beside him.

"This is my spouse, also the design soul of Chongsu."

"Our clothes aren't copied from fashion magazines; they're drawn piece by piece based on the physique and temperament of us northerners, integrating international trends!"

He asked Douzi to hand out a few pieces from the "South Wind, North Rhythm" series and the Art Realm Series Sample Garments, as well as photocopies of some of Su Ruan's design drafts, for everyone to view.

As those high‑quality, uniquely designed Ready‑made Clothing and the spirit‑filled design sketches passed through the crowd's hands, low murmurs of awe began to rise.

Even representatives from several other companies couldn't help but examine them closely.

"Second," Jiang Ran said after everyone had taken a good look, continuing, "we rely on solid craftsmanship and daring use of new materials."

"We introduce new equipment, try new fabrics, cooperate with big factories in Guangzhou, learn their fine craftsmanship, and apply it to our own designs."

"This is our newly hired Lao Ma, a tailor with over thirty years of experience."

He pointed to the Lao Ma sitting in the back row, appearing somewhat reserved but with a straight back.

"Third, we depend on real‑world reputation and models forged in the market."

"We don't produce low‑end mass‑market items; we make mid‑to‑high‑end custom and Premium Ready‑made Clothing, moving customers with design and quality."

"Now over eighty percent of our shop's customers are repeat patrons, and some even travel from other regions specifically. We also do co‑branding with Guangzhou brands, selling well, proving this path works!"

His reasoning was clear, data solid, his tone full of confidence and drive, prompting Comrades Zhou and Wu to nod repeatedly.

Su Ruan added at the right moment, her voice gentle yet powerful, focusing on Chongsu's specific needs and ideas for the Incubation Park regarding shared design resources, technical training, and market information docking, and she proposed a preliminary concept of "design‑driven, brand‑led, multi‑party win‑win."

Their speeches, one like blazing fire, the other like still water, blended perfectly, sketching a brand image starkly different from traditional garment factories, vibrant and forward‑looking.

The other company representatives' initial dismissiveness gradually turned into contemplation, even a hint of subtle envy.

Comrade Zhou, in his summary, specifically mentioned Chongsu: "... Just now, Comrade Jiang Ran and Comrade Su Ruan's remarks gave us much inspiration."

"What the Incubation Park aims to nurture are fresh forces like Chongsu, with clear brand awareness, core design capability, an open collaborative spirit, and the courage to explore new models!"

"We hope that, in the future, more such enterprises will emerge in the park!"

After the forum ended, several peers gathered around Jiang Ran and Su Ruan to exchange business cards, inquiring about fabric sources and possible collaborations.

Comrade Zhou also walked over, gripping Jiang Ran's hand firmly: "Little Jiang, Little Su, you spoke excellently! You have ideas, drive, and method! Keep it up, the park's gates are always open to you!"

Only after getting into the car heading home did Jiang Ran let out a long sigh, loosening his clenched fist, his palms slick with sweat.

"Wife, I just... didn't embarrass you, did I?"

He turned his head to look at Su Ruan, his eyes shining astonishingly, with a hint of childlike nervousness.

Su Ruan looked at him, her heart softening into a sheet.

She took out her handkerchief, gently wiping the fine beads of sweat from his temple, her eyes full of smile and pride: "You spoke especially well; I was completely absorbed."

Her fingertips brushed his skin, bringing a slight coolness and fragrance.

Jiang Ran seized her hand, pressing it to his chest, letting her feel his still somewhat rapid heartbeat: "You scared me! I was more nervous than the first time I fought someone!"

"But it was worth it! Look at Comrade Zhou's expression—there's drama! Absolutely drama!"

"Hmm!"

Su Ruan couldn't help but laugh, letting him hold her hand.

The joy of success and the after‑glow surged in her heart, reddening her cheeks, her eyes sparkling like fallen stars.

Douzi, driving in the front seat, glanced through the rearview mirror, sneaking a grin, then quickly focused ahead.

Back at the shop, Wang Shifu, Sun Shifu, and Yaya all waited expectantly.

Upon hearing the news of the forum's great success, everyone cheered.

Jiang Ran waved his hand grandly: "We're closing early today! Douzi, go arrange a few good dishes, and call Master Ma and Little Ma over; we, our own people, will celebrate first!"