Chapter 160: Earnestly Asking You to Let Jiaojiao Marry Me

Jiang Jiaojiao's face flushed, she set down her chopsticks, cleared her throat, and gave Yan Shen another look.

Yan Shen smiled and nodded, put down his bowl, and from the briefcase he always carried took out a plump, large red envelope stamped with the double‑happiness character, and handed it with both hands to Jiang Jianguo and Li Huijuan.

"Uncle Jiang, Aunt Li," Yan Shen's voice was gentle yet solemn, "Jiaojiao and I have been together for a while now, and we have both recognized each other."

"My parents have also been urging me to settle down soon. So today, I would like to formally make a Proposal to the two elders, and earnestly ask you to agree to let Jiaojiao marry me."

The words hung in the air, the dining table fell silent for a moment, then burst into delighted laughter.

"Great! That's wonderful!"

Jiang Jianguo was momentarily stunned, then laughed heartily, took the red envelope, which clearly contained the betrothal gifts and a formal marriage contract.

He gave Yan Shen a firm pat on the shoulder.

"Yan Shen, you are a good man, steady and responsible; entrusting Jiaojiao to you puts my mind at ease!"

Li Huijuan was moved to tears, clasped Jiaojiao's hand, glanced at Yan Shen, and kept nodding: "We agree! All one hundred of us agree! Yan Shen, Jiaojiao has a quick temper; please be more tolerant…"

"Mother!" Jiaojiao was unusually shy, stamped her foot, and her eyes reddened.

Grandma Jiang was so delighted she could not close her mouth, chanting, "Amitabha, double blessings! Our family is receiving double happiness!"

"Jiaojiao has found a good home, Ranran and RuanRuan's businesses are thriving, Jinjin and An'an are well-behaved… May the ancestors bless us!"

Jiang Ran leaned close to Su Ruan's ear, lowered his voice, with a mischievous grin: "Look at my sister, finally someone took her. From now on I won't have to be bullied at home all day."

Su Ruan smiled, gave his arm a gentle twist, and felt happy for Jiaojiao.

Yan Shen is upright and comes from a good family; his feelings for sister Jiaojiao are sincere, making him a truly suitable match.

The engagement was thus joyfully settled.

Yan Shen's family will soon come formally to discuss details, with the wedding tentatively set for next spring.

The household is brimming with joy, and Su Ruan and Jiang Ran's ventures have not slowed a bit.

The Planning Office soon sent more concrete news.

"Chongsu" has been officially listed as one of the Incubation Park's first key cultivation targets; the park will reserve for them a prime, spacious Gongzuoshi, and they will enjoy rent waivers and tax incentives for the first three years.

The condition is that, after officially operating in the park, they must submit a detailed brand development plan and phased objectives.

Good news kept arriving one after another.

Shen Man's Fashion Life Magazine published a special report on "Chongsu", spanning two major sections, rich with text and pictures.

The article not only detailed "Chongsu"'s design philosophy and growth story, but also highlighted their perseverance in the face of challenges, forward‑looking cooperation with Guangzhou, and proactive preparation for the Incubation Park opportunity.

The report's tone was objective yet full of praise; the accompanying photos showed Su Ruan concentrating on drawing, Jiang Ran inspecting fabrics, and the couple standing side by side at the shop entrance, conveying a solid, professional, hopeful image of a partner‑run startup.

Once the magazine was out, it immediately sparked a response locally and even across the Provincial Capital.

People coming to "Chongsu" to explore the shop, inquire, or even seek cooperation noticeably increased.

Even some previously hesitant longtime customers, after seeing the magazine, grew more confident in "Chongsu"'s quality and prospects.

That evening, after closing, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran sat in the freshly renovated shop, leafing through that magazine.

"Editor Shen's writing is truly excellent,"

Jiang Ran pointed to the passage describing him as "possessing the bold spirit of a northern Han man while never losing attention to detail," and grinned.

"You've praised me to the point I'm embarrassed,"

Su Ruan leaned on his shoulder, her fingertips brushing the photo of the two of them side by side, a gentle smile at the corner of her mouth: "The photo turned out quite well."

In the photo, their eyes are bright, their smiles full of boundless anticipation for the future; they really look perfectly matched.

Jiang Ran lowered his gaze, saw her soft profile and slightly upturned lips, felt a stir in his heart, and naturally slipped his arm around her waist, drawing her closer.

"That's because my wife is photogenic, which makes me look good too,"

His breath brushed her ear, carrying a familiar warmth.

Su Ruan's cheeks warmed slightly, yet she didn't pull away; instead she relaxed further against him.

In days woven with busyness, pressure, and joy, such a quiet moment of cuddling feels especially precious.

"By the way," Jiang Ran suddenly recalled, nudging his chin against the top of her hair, "the Chen Family sent a letter; the second batch of co‑branded items will arrive early next month."

"They also asked what ideas we have for next spring‑summer's designs, so they can prepare the fabrics in advance,"

Su Ruan nodded, her eyes bright: "I've had some new inspirations lately and want to sketch them out. This time, we can try bolder color schemes and cuts…"

Under the dim yellow light, the two whispered about future designs and work plans, their voices interweaving, full of passion and tacit understanding for their joint venture.

Occasionally, Jiang Ran couldn't help but tilt his head, steal a light kiss, breaking Su Ruan's train of thought, earning a teasing yet smiling glance.

The buzz from the magazine hadn't faded, and the draft of the specific Incubation Park entry agreement had also been delivered to Chongsu.

Everything seemed to be racing toward the most ideal direction.

That afternoon, Su Ruan was in the VIP Room finalizing the details of a dress with a female client who had traveled from the Provincial Capital, while Jiang Ran at the front of the shop greeted several potential customers who, after seeing the magazine, came in out of curiosity.

Douzi suddenly ran in from the doorway, his complexion a bit pale, leaned toward Jiang Ran's ear, and whispered in a low voice: "Brother Jiang, outside... there are two people claiming to be from the Discipline Inspection Committee; they want to question you and Sister Su."

"Discipline Inspection Committee?"

Jiang Ran's heart sank sharply, but his face remained unchanged; he apologized to the customers with a smile: "Please wait a moment, I have something to attend to, I'll be right back."

He signaled Douzi to attend to the customers, straightened his collar, and strode out to the shop entrance.

Outside stood two middle‑aged men in dark jackets, expressions solemn, eyes sharp.

One of them produced identification: "Comrade Jiang Ran, is Comrade Su Ruan present? We are from the Discipline Inspection Committee's investigation team; we need to discuss some matters with you both."

As expected, they had indeed arrived. Jiang Ran took a deep breath, stepped aside: "My spouse is inside attending a client. Please come in, have a seat for a moment; I'll go fetch her right away."

He led the two to a relatively secluded meeting area, had Yaya pour tea, then briskly walked toward the VIP Room and knocked lightly.

Su Ruan finished her conversation, saw off the female client, turned and saw Jiang Ran's solemn expression and the two unfamiliar silhouettes at the door; she instantly grasped most of the situation.

"It's fine," Jiang Ran squeezed her hand firmly, his voice steady, "When soldiers come we block them, when water comes we cover it with earth. As long as we act righteously, we have no fear."