Chapter 173: Not Yet Finished

Early the next morning, Jiang Ran received the preliminary preview event invitation list faxed by Editor Wang.

He sat in the small office behind the Chongsu Old Shop, holding the fax paper that still smelled of ink, his eyebrows raised high.

"Provincial Capital Daily, Fashion Life Weekly, Eastern Apparel Magazine... Wow, also the TV station's lifestyle channel?" Jiang Ran read aloud, his tongue sticking out, "Editor Wang is making a big move this time."

Su Ruan, who was checking the fabric orders nearby, looked up at the remark: "The TV station too? Then we have to make the venue setup even more meticulous; the cameras won't be lenient."

"What's there to fear!" Jiang Ran slapped the list onto the table, stood up and walked behind Su Ruan, placing both hands on her shoulders and gently kneading, "Our products are our biggest confidence. However…"

He bent down, his chin almost resting on Su Ruan's head, pointing at a name on the list: "Who is the representative of this New Emerging Designer Exchange Association? I've never heard of them before."

Su Ruan turned her head to look: "It should be a newly established organization in the Provincial Capital. Since Editor Wang invited them, there must be his considerations. It might even expand some contacts."

"Alright." Jiang Ran straightened, picked up the calendar on the desk and flipped through, "Next Friday... today is Tuesday, so there are still three full days left."

"Wife, we need to run through the process again; we can't afford any slip‑ups."

Just as the two were speaking, the shop door was pushed open, and Douzi stuck his head in: "Brother Jiang, Sister Su, someone outside is looking for you, says they're from the Provincial Capital and their surname is Chen."

"Surname Chen?" Jiang Ran and Su Ruan exchanged a glance, both a bit surprised.

He hurried into the main shop area and saw a man in his thirties wearing a beige trench coat, arms crossed behind his back, admiring the South Wind North Rhythm Series Ready‑made Clothing hanging on the wall.

Hearing the footsteps, he turned, his face bearing a warm and appropriate smile.

"Boss Jiang, Boss Su, sorry to intrude," the man extended his hand, "I am Chen Mingyuan, head of the Provincial Capital New Emerging Designer Exchange Association."

"I heard from Editor Wang about Chongsu and your Ren Series, and I couldn't contain my curiosity, so I came early to visit."

Jiang Ran grasped his hand, the pressure neither light nor heavy: "Mr Chen, you're too kind. I didn't expect you to come in person."

Su Ruan also smiled in acknowledgment: "Please have a seat, Mr Chen. Douzi, make some tea."

The three took their seats.

Chen Mingyuan's gaze swept the shop, finally landing on the design sketches spread on the workbench; appreciation flashed in his eyes: "I've long heard Chongsu's designs are unique; seeing them today, the reputation is well deserved. These lines, this concept... Boss Su, did you graduate from a formal design school?"

"Mostly self‑taught, though I've consulted many masters," Su Ruan replied modestly and calmly.

"Rare, indeed," Chen Mingyuan nodded, "To be frank, our Association is newly established, yet it has gathered many young designers in the Provincial Capital who have ideas and talent."

"We have been looking for brands that truly have local characteristics and modern aesthetics. Chongsu fits our expectations perfectly."

Jiang Ran kept a neutral expression: "What does Mr Chen mean?"

"We hope to become Chongsu's partner in the Provincial Capital," Chen Mingyuan got straight to the point, "The Association can organize a dedicated promotion event, invite our members and the media, and also connect with quality fabric suppliers and processing resources."

"Of course, the most important thing is that we can provide Chongsu with channels into the Provincial Capital's high‑end market."

Those words were blunt and carried weight.

Jiang Ran did not answer immediately, but looked at Su Ruan. Su Ruan pondered briefly and asked, "Mr Chen, cooperation is two‑way. What expectations does the Association have of us?"

"Boss Su, straightforward," Chen Mingyuan smiled, "We hope Chongsu can become the Association's signed brand, regularly share design concepts with us, and be given priority in collaborative projects during the Provincial Capital's exhibition‑sale events."

"Naturally, all collaborations will be formalized with agreements to protect both parties' interests."

He added, "Additionally, if possible... we would love to invite Boss Su as a guest lecturer to give a few classes to the Association's young designers, sharing your creative insights."

The proposal caught Su Ruan a bit off guard.

Teaching? She had never considered it.

Jiang Ran's eyes lit up.

It was not only a partnership but also a great chance to boost the brand's influence and Su Ruan's personal reputation.

But he remained cautious verbally: "We feel Mr Chen's sincerity. However, the preview event is imminent, and we truly can't spare the energy for a detailed discussion now. How about this—after the preview ends, we schedule a time for an in‑depth talk?"

"Understood, understood," Chen Mingyuan stood, took a business card from his briefcase and handed it over with both hands, "I won't keep you any longer. I wish the preview event great success. I'll definitely be there to learn."

After seeing Chen Mingyuan off, Jiang Ran pinched the delicate business card, raised an eyebrow at Su Ruan: "Wife, what do you think?"

Su Ruan returned to the workbench, her fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the design sketch: "It's a good opportunity. But... it's too sudden. We don't know the Provincial Capital market, and we're unfamiliar with this Association."

"I understand," Jiang Ran sat beside her, his arm naturally looping around the back of her chair, "But they approached us proactively, which shows our work truly caught their eye."

"Let's not rush; after the preview we'll see the response. If the Provincial Capital's media and buyers are favorable, then we can seriously consider this cooperation."

He paused, leaned close to her ear, lowering his voice: "Besides, my wife going to teach—that's so glorious! I'll have to sit in the front row and listen attentively."

Su Ruan laughed at his teasing, nudging him lightly with her elbow: "Enough bragging. Let's focus on the present first."

The next two days, the two were practically standing on air.

In the New Studio, Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu led their apprentices in making the final detail adjustments.

Douzi and Yaya rehearsed the presentation script over and over.

Jiang Ranran around the whole city, confirming all supplies such as refreshments, fresh flowers, and audio equipment.

Su Ruan bore the greatest pressure.

She had to coordinate the entire operation and ensure every displayed piece was presented perfectly.

Continuous sleepless nights left a faint bluish‑black hue under her eyes.

At eleven o'clock on Wednesday night, Su Ruan was still in the studio adjusting the belt fastening of a Sample Garment.

Jiang Ran returned from outside, carrying a thermos bucket in his hand.

"Stop working, take a break," he placed the thermos on the workbench, opened the lid, and a rich aroma wafted out, "Mom's simmered chicken soup—drink it while it's hot."

Su Ruan rubbed her sore neck and obediently set aside the work she was handling.

The chicken soup was simmered to a golden clarity, skimmed of surface oil, with a few red dates and goji berries inside.

She sipped it in small mouthfuls; the warm broth slid down her throat, the warmth reaching her stomach, and the days‑long fatigue seemed to ease a bit.

Jiang Ran walked around to her behind, placed both hands on her shoulders, and kneaded the tense muscles with moderate pressure.

"Hmm..." Su Ruan let out a comfortable sigh, slightly closing her eyes, "A bit lighter, the left side feels a little sour."

"Here?" Jiang Ran's thumb found the stiff spot, slowly circling and pressing, "So you won't sit in the same posture all the time, got it? Tomorrow I'll have Douzi bring you a high stool so you can stand while drawing."

"Standing is more tiring," Su Ruan muttered, but her body relaxed involuntarily, leaning into his arms, "Mr Chen called again today, saying he'll bring several important members on the preview day."

"Let them come, more people makes it lively," Jiang Ran replied nonchalantly, his fingers sliding from her shoulder to the back of her neck, gently pinching the delicate skin, "We'll stick to our own pace and not be swayed by outsiders."

His fingertips were covered with a thin callus, and when they pressed against the skin they felt a bit rough, yet strangely comforting.

Su Ruan was pressed by him into a drowsy haze, her whole body almost melting into his arms.

Jiang Ran felt the weight of the person in his arms relax more and more; looking down, he saw her eyelashes drooping, breathing even, almost about to fall asleep.

His heart softened, his movements on her became even gentler, and his voice lowered: "Sleepy? Finish the soup and go home to sleep."

"Not done yet…" Su Ruan forced herself to stay awake, trying to sit up, but he held her down.