Chapter 172: Wife, You Smell So Good

The next day, Editor Wang visited again, lingered for a long while, his eyes full of admiration.

"Boss Su, Boss Jiang," Editor Wang pushed up his glasses, his tone more solemn than before, "the Ren Series has already transcended the realm of clothing. It is a declaration, an attitude."

"Our magazine has decided not only to do in‑depth reporting but also to plan a small, high‑spec media preview event for this series, right here in your New Studio. We wonder what you think about it?"

Media preview event!

This is undoubtedly a perfect chance for the Chongsu brand to upgrade and break into higher circles!

Jiang Ran suppressed the excitement swelling in his chest and looked at Su Ruan. Though Su Ruan's eyes shone, she remained calm: "Editor Wang, we are deeply honored."

"Only the specific format of the preview, the invitees, and the tasks we need to coordinate on our side..."

"We can iron out the details gradually," Editor Wang said with a smile. "The key is that you have the capability and we have the willingness. A strong‑by‑strong partnership is what will make it succeed."

After seeing off Editor Wang, only Su Ruan and Jiang Ran remained in the New Studio.

"Wife!" Jiang Ran scooped up Su Ruan, spun excitedly, "Did you hear? Media preview! Our Chongsu is about to hit the big stage!"

Su Ruan, dizzy from his twirl, patted his shoulder and asked him to set her down, her face breaking into a bright smile: "Mm! Heard it! But there's a lot of work ahead—venue setup, sample refinement, invitation list, and the day's schedule… a thousand tangled tasks."

"What's there to fear!" Jiang Ran waved his hand grandly, "With you at the helm, I'll run errands, and Master Wang and Master Sun will back us up; we'll have troops, generals, water, and earth to cover us!"

"This is an opportunity we earned with real skill; we must make it dazzlingly perfect!"

Bathed in sunlight, the two began an animated discussion of every aspect of the preview, from lighting and music to tea‑time selections, sparing no detail.

During pauses, Jiang Ran's gaze inevitably lingered on Su Ruan's slightly glowing profile, intensified by her focus, then he leaned in to steal a scent, prompting Su Ruan's reproachful yet smiling eyes.

Just as they busily prepared the preview, life didn't forget to deliver a sweet burden.

That evening, Su Ruan was rearranging a sample in the New Studio, while Jiang Ran went to pick up Douzi Yaya from school.

Her phone suddenly rang; it was Li Huijuan, her voice a mix of frantic worry and helpless laughter.

"RuanRuan! Come back quickly and see! Jinjin and An'an, those two little brats, have ripped the Silk fabric you prepared for a new Cheongsam—just brought in by Ranran yesterday—from the cabinet!"

"Jinjin is stepping on it, An'an is clutching and gnawing it, we can't stop them! Oh my heavens, that's such good material!"

Su Ruan's mind went blank at the news.

The pale‑purple Silk satin, which Jiang Ran had procured through connections, she hadn't even dared to cut yet!

She hurriedly told Master Wang, hopped on her bicycle, and raced home.

Just as she entered the courtyard, she saw a tragic scene.

The expensive pale‑purple Silk lay on the courtyard's bluestone slabs, already crumpled beyond recognition, with several clear tiny footprints on it.

Jinjin was squatting nearby, poking the fabric's sheen with a curious fingertip, while An'an plopped onto the edge, clutching a corner tightly, trying to shove it into his mouth, his little face smeared with dubious saliva.

Jiang Nainai and Li Huijuan each tended to one child, wanting to pull them away yet fearing they'd cry, flustered and spinning in circles.

"Jinjin! An'an!" Su Ruan, both angry and amused, hurried forward.

Hearing mother's voice, An'an instantly let go of the fabric, spread his saliva‑slicked little hand, and with his toothless grin shouted joyfully, "Mom! Hold me!"

Jinjin also looked up, saw Su Ruan, frowned slightly, pointed at the fabric on the ground, and uttered a clear syllable: "Liang!"

It seemed to mean: Mom, this thing is shiny and fun.

Su Ruan's heart softened instantly by half.

She first lifted the clingy An'an, then reached out to pull Jinjin.

Li Huijuan quickly rescued the ravaged fabric, trembling with distress: "It's ruined, ruined—how can we use this now…"

At that moment, Jiang Ran returned with Douzi Yaya.

Stepping into the courtyard, he was stunned for a second, then burst into hearty laughter.

"What a bunch! My son's little girl has an eye for quality! She instantly picked the most expensive fabric!"

He walked over, lifted the still‑pointing Jinjin, and brushed his whiskers against her little neck.

"You stinky brat, do you know that's meant for making a beautiful dress for your mom? And you're stepping on it?"

Jinjin giggled and squirmed, trying to dodge the tickle.

An'an, in Su Ruan's arms, waved his little hand toward dad.

Jiang Ran, having laughed enough, took the crumpled fabric from Li Huijuan's hands, examined it, then compared it to the sunlight: "Mom, don't feel sorry. The fabric isn't torn, just wrinkled—ironing should rescue it. If that fails…"

He looked at Su Ruan, blinked, and said, "Let's make each of Jinjin and An'an a Baby Belly Wrap. The leftover scraps could become a hairband for their mother. Perfect—then the whole family of four can wear them."

The idea made Su Ruan's eyes light up.

Indeed, why cling to the original purpose?

The children's accidental "creations" might spark fresh inspiration.

"Good idea," she said with a smile, watching Jinjin frolicking in Jiang Ran's arms and An'an perched on her shoulder nibbling his finger, "We'll use this fabric to make new clothes for them."

A small chaos concluded with a warm, creative resolution.

That night, after soothing the two exhausted little ones to sleep, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran leaned against the headboard, still wide awake.

"Editor Wang's side has drafted a preliminary invitation list for the preview; they'll fax it over tomorrow," Su Ruan flipped through her notebook. "A few key media outlets in the Provincial Capital, fashion buyers, and several brand representatives who might be open to collaboration."

"Mm." Jiang Ran rested his arm behind his head, gazing at the ceiling. "On our side, besides the Ren Series, should we also select a few more pieces from South Wind, North Rhythm and the Premium items of the Art Realm Series to showcase? It would make our product line look richer."

"Right, I thought the same," Su Ruan nodded. "Also the display—lighting is crucial; it must highlight the Ren Series' cool clarity without letting the other series fade into dullness."

The two exchanged remarks, discussing the work, their voices gradually lowering.

Jiang Ran turned his body, his arm draped over Su Ruan's waist, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the soft fabric of her nightgown.

"Wife," he whispered suddenly, "After the preview is over, let's take Jinjin and An'an, plus dad, mom, and grandma, out for a short outing—just somewhere nearby, a spring walk. You should also get some rest."

This wasn't the first time he'd brought it up.

Warmth washed through Su Ruan's heart; she turned, faced him, and in the darkness precisely met his gaze: "Okay. After we're done with this busy spell."

Jiang Ran leaned in, his forehead touching hers, noses brushing, his breath audible: "My wife, how wonderful you are…"