Chapter 174: A Married Pair United

"We'll talk about it tomorrow."

Jiang Ran unhesitatingly took the soup ladle from her hand, drank the remaining chicken soup in a few gulps, then bent over and lifted her sideways in a tight embrace.

"Ah! Jiang Ran!" Su Ruan cried, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck, "Put me down, I can walk on my own."

"Don't move." Jiang Ran carried her out, flicked the light off, "Close your eyes, get some sleep. I'll call you when it's time."

Night had deepened, and the street was silent.

Jiang Ran held Su Ruan, walking steadily and confidently.

At first Su Ruan felt a little embarrassed, but leaning against his solid, warm chest and listening to his steady heartbeat, drowsiness rose like a tide.

She truly closed her eyes, her cheek pressed to his chest, whispering softly, "Jiang Ran..."

"Hmm?"

"What if the preview... doesn't meet expectations? What should we do?"

Jiang Ran kept walking, his voice clear and resolute in the night wind, "Then we keep working until they approve it."

"Su Ruan, remember, our work isn't made for anyone to see; it's made for those who understand and need it. If even one person gets it, we haven't worked in vain."

He paused, lowered his head and kissed the top of her head, "Besides, my wife's designs can't be bad. If they don't get it, it's because they lack vision."

His unreasonable defense made Su Ruan's heart burn.

She said nothing more, only clutched his neck tighter.

By the time they reached home, Su Ruan was already sound asleep.

Jiang Ran gently carried her back to the room, placed her carefully on the bed, helped her remove her coat and shoes, and tucked the blanket.

Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating her peaceful sleeping face.

Jiang Ran sat at the bedside for a while, then leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Sleep now, sweet dreams."

Thursday, the final day before the preview.

The New Studio buzzed with busy yet orderly activity.

All the displayed works were in place, quietly radiating a unique aura under specially designed lighting.

Su Ruan wore a simple ash-gray sweater and black trousers, her hair tied into a neat bun at the nape, confirming tomorrow's presentation order with Douzi.

Jiang Ran stood nearby checking the sound system, intercom in hand, "Double-check the music transition points; the background music for part three must fade out gradually, not cut off abruptly."

"Got it, Brother Jiang!" Yaya's voice came through the intercom.

At three p. m., Editor Wang arrived with two assistants for the final venue check.

Seeing the newly arranged studio and the displayed works, Editor Wang nodded repeatedly.

"Not bad, very stylish. It highlights the works without feeling cramped," he said, turning to Su Ruan, "Boss Su, is tomorrow's schedule set?"

"All set," Su Ruan handed over the schedule, "Check-in starts at ten a. m., and the official program begins at ten‑thirty."

"First, Jiang Ran and I will give a brief Speech, then we'll play a short video about the background of Chongsu and the Ren Series, followed by work explanations and a free‑talk period."

Editor Wang reviewed it carefully, "Fine. Media interviews will be scheduled after the free‑talk, so they have time to experience the works first."

"By the way, Provincial TV Station confirmed a filming crew will come for a three‑minute feature report. Be ready; there may be a short interview."

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan exchanged a glance, each seeing the other's earnest regard.

After seeing Editor Wang off, dusk was already settling.

Jiang Ran clapped his hands and gathered everyone.

"Everyone, tomorrow is the time to show our true work."

His gaze swept over the familiar faces—Wang Shifu, Sun Shifu, Ma Shifu, Douzi, Yaya, and a few workers brought from the old shop to help.

"These past weeks, everyone has worked hard. Chongsu's success today is thanks to each of our efforts. Tomorrow, we'll proudly showcase our best work to everyone!"

His tone wasn't loud, but carried a weighty strength.

Wang Shifu nodded heavily, Sun Shifu adjusted his glasses, and Douzi and Yaya's eyes lit up.

Su Ruan stood beside Jiang Ran, watching the companions who had walked this road together, feeling an indescribable surge of emotion.

She cleared her throat, her voice clear and firm, "No matter tomorrow's outcome, Chongsu is here, we are all here. Thank you, everyone."

After the brief rally, Jiang Ran told everyone to head home early and Rest and Recover.

The crowd dispersed, leaving only the two of them in the studio.

The sunset's afterglow streamed through the glass, coating the silent works with a warm golden rim.

Jiang Ran walked to Su Ruan's side, slipped his arm around her waist, "Nervous?"

Su Ruan nodded honestly, "A little. After all… this is the first time facing so many professional eyes."

"What are you afraid of?" Jiang Ran turned her around to face him, cupping her face with both hands, "Look at me."

"Su Ruan, every piece you design grows from your heart. True works carry their own immense power."

His gaze burned bright and resolute, like two unextinguishable flames.

Su Ruan looked at him, and suddenly she wasn't afraid.

Indeed, she was merely presenting what she believed in and loved.

As for how others see it, that's their business.

"Hmm." She answered gravely, tiptoed forward and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, "Jiang Ran, thank you."

The sudden initiative startled Jiang Ran, then a smile flashed in his eyes.

He pressed his hand to the back of her head, deepening the kiss.

After a long moment, Jiang Ran finally released her, foreheads touching, breath slightly ragged, "Thank what…? As a married pair, it's what I'm supposed to do."

He paused, his voice dropping, a hint of mischief, "But… if you really want to thank me, after this is over, we…"

"Don't even think about it." Su Ruan, cheeks flushed, pushed him away, a smile at the corner of her mouth, "Hurry and pack up, let's go home. Jinjin and An'an must be waiting anxiously."

"Alright, alright, I'm listening to Mrs Jiang."

Jiang Ran smiled, raised his hand in a surrender gesture, and deftly began to tidy up.

On the way back, the two walked side by side. The evening breeze was slightly cool, dispersing the day's busyness and tension.

"By the way," Jiang Ran suddenly recalled, "Mr Chen called again this afternoon, saying he'll bring a few purchasing managers from the Provincial Capital department stores tomorrow."

"If the preview event gets a good response, they might directly discuss setting up a permanent counter."

Su Ruan halted her steps: "That fast?"

"In the business world, opportunities don't wait for anyone," Jiang Ran said, gripping her hand. "But I told him everything will be discussed after the preview event ends. We're not in a hurry to decide; we'll see clearly first."

That's their usual style.

Steady and methodical, not reckless, yet never missing the chances that should be seized.

Su Ruan returned the grip, interlacing their fingers: "Hmm, I'll follow your lead."

Back home, the expected bustle.

Jinjin and An'an hadn't fallen asleep yet; they were playing with building blocks in the Main Hall.

Seeing Mom and Dad return, the two little ones immediately dropped their toys and tumbled over toward them.

"Mom!"

"Dad!"

Su Ruan and Jiang Ran each lifted one; the day's fatigue seemed instantly healed.

Li Huijuan brought steaming dishes from the kitchen: "Quickly wash your hands and eat! There's a big event tomorrow, so eat well and sleep well!"