Chapter 166: Close the Doors and Celebrate

That night, Su Ruan slept unusually deeply.

Even though the road ahead remained shrouded in fog, the man's scorching body heat and his decisive words were her greatest reassurance.

The next day, Chongsu opened its doors as usual.

The rumors' impact lingered, and the morning customers were few and scattered.

Douzi and Yaya forced themselves to greet cheerfully, but worry could not be hidden in their eyes.

Around noon, the shop door was pushed open as Shen Man walked in, accompanied by a cultured, refined middle‑aged man wearing gold‑rimmed glasses.

"Boss Su, Boss Jiang!" Shen Man greeted with a smile, far more enthusiastic than over the phone, "This is Editor‑in‑Chief Wang from our magazine. He heard about your situation and asked me to bring him over for an on‑site look."

Editor‑in‑Chief Wang extended his hand, his sharp gaze sweeping the shop: "Boss Jiang, Boss Su, sorry for the intrusion. I've read Shen Man's report and was impressed. However, I've heard a lot of noise lately, and I tend to trust my own eyes more."

Jiang Ran stepped forward, grasped Editor‑in‑Chief Wang's hand, neither servile nor arrogant: "Editor‑in‑Chief Wang, welcome. The shop is small, feel free to look around. What's genuine can't be faked, and a fake can't become genuine."

Su Ruan also steadied herself, smiling: "Whatever Editor‑in‑Chief Wang wishes to see, we'll fully cooperate."

Editor‑in‑Chief Wang nodded, made no small talk, and walked straight to the display rack, carefully examining the Ready‑made Clothing of the South Wind North Rhythm and Art Realm Series.

He examined everything minutely, flipping through the lining, checking the stitches, and feeling the fabric.

"The craftsmanship is indeed solid," he muttered, then turned to the Sketch notebook that Su Ruan had placed on the workbench. Shen Man whispered some introduction nearby.

When Editor‑in‑Chief Wang turned to the early drafts of the Ren Series, pages brimming with a sense of power, his finger paused, he nudged his glasses, and stared for a long time.

"This is..." he looked up at Su Ruan.

Su Ruan inhaled deeply and stepped forward: "This is the new series we're developing, called Ren. It's, I guess, a response to what we've gone through these past months."

Editor‑in‑Chief Wang's gaze moved back and forth between the drawings and Su Ruan's calm, resolute face.

After a while, he closed the notebook, looked at Jiang Ran and Su Ruan, and a faint yet genuine smile appeared on his face.

"What is heard is illusion; what is seen is truth," he said slowly, "I see Chongsu's foundation and spirit. The rumors outside cannot shake what truly has value. Our magazine is willing to give voice to valuable content and steadfastness."

Shen Man immediately exclaimed excitedly, "Editor‑in‑Chief Wang means we want to do an in‑depth follow‑up report!"

"Not just about the brand, we also want to explore how a local force like Chongsu endures and breaks through adversity! Boss Su, Boss Jiang, are you willing to cooperate?"

A turning point! A rescue in a desperate situation!

A massive surprise surged like a tide.

Su Ruan and Jiang Ran exchanged glances, each seeing in the other's eyes an incredible excitement and a sense of relief.

Jiang Ran exhaled heavily, gripped Su Ruan's hand firmly, looked at Editor‑in‑Chief Wang and Shen Man, his voice trembling with excitement: "Editor‑in‑Chief Wang, Editor Shen, thank you! Thank you so much! We… we will definitely give our all!"

Su Ruan also nodded vigorously, her eyes hot: "Thank you for your trust! Chongsu… won't disappoint you!"

After seeing off Editor‑in‑Chief Wang and Shen Man, they closed the shop door, cutting off the cold world outside.

Jiang Ran suddenly turned, both hands gripping Su Ruan's shoulders, his eyes shining wildly: "Wife! Did you hear? Huh? Did you hear?! We… we're saved!"

Su Ruan's tears finally fell, not from sorrow but from joy released after being suppressed for so long.

She nodded forcefully, threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly: "I heard! Jiang Ran, I heard! We… we made it through!"

Jiang Ran held her back tightly, his grip so strong it seemed to meld her into his very bones.

He lowered his head, randomly kissing her crown and forehead, babbling: "Yes! We made it! My wife is awesome! The drawings even get praise from the chief editor! After this, who dares to talk nonsense!"

Editor‑in‑Chief Wang's approval and the prospect of an in‑depth report shone like a beam, piercing the heavy clouds hanging over Chongsu.

The news spread like wildfire; although it hadn't appeared in the press yet, insiders had already heard, and the once‑rampant rumors seemed to lose most of their force overnight.

A few days later, a more official, weightier announcement arrived: the City Discipline Inspection Committee's investigation into Chongsu and related reports had officially reached a conclusion.

That morning, Comrade Zhou and another Discipline Inspection Committee comrade came to Chongsu in person.

Unlike the stern questioning last time, this time the two wore faint smiles beyond mere official business.

"Comrade Jiang Ran, Comrade Su Ruan," Comrade Zhou produced the official document, his tone clear, "Regarding the previously received Real‑name Report, after our committee's thorough investigation and verification, the facts have now been clarified."

"First, concerning the West City demolition compensation issue, your purchase time preceded any planning information release, the transaction process was legal and compliant, the compensation disbursement adhered to policy, and there was no use of familial ties to obtain insider information or any violation."

"Second, regarding the Incubation Park project, you were selected as a key cultivation target based on Chongsu's design capability, business model, and development potential, determined through the Planning Office's rigorous review, complying with fairness, openness, and impartiality, with no evidence of profit‑making or other violations."

He paused, looked at Su Ruan and Jiang Ran: "The investigation results confirm that the reported allegations are all unfounded."

"The organization understands the criticism and difficulties you've encountered during your business development."

"We hope you can lay down the burden, continue to focus on operations, and make greater contributions to local economic development and industrial upgrading."

The official document, with its clear conclusion, washed away all stigma!

Jiang Ran gripped Su Ruan's hand tightly, feeling the slight tremor at her fingertips.

He straightened his back, his voice resonant and firm: "Thank the organization for restoring our innocence! We will certainly live up to expectations and make Chongsu even better!"

Su Ruan also inhaled deeply, suppressing the turmoil within, and solemnly said: "We appreciate the Discipline Inspection Committee comrades' diligent investigation. Clean Ones Remain Clean, yet we are even more grateful for the organization's fairness. Chongsu will take this as a new starting point and work even harder."

After seeing off the Discipline Inspection Committee comrades, Douzi, Yaya, Master Wang, Master Sun, Master Ma… all the staff gathered around, their faces unable to hide excitement and joy.

"Brother Jiang! Sister Su! Great news! We're cleared!" Douzi's face flushed with excitement.

"I knew it! We make a living with Handcraft, we're not afraid of those crooked ways!" Master Wang thumped his thigh heavily.

Master Sun adjusted his glasses, a rare smile appearing: "Now those gossipers can shut up."

Jiang Ran looked around at everyone, his eyes slightly reddened, and waved his hand: "We're closing early today! Douzi, go order two sets of good dishes! Let's lock the doors and celebrate properly! You've all worked hard these past weeks!"