Chapter 175: Daughter‑in‑Law, One Kiss

Jiang Jianguo also rarely returns home early, sits at the table reading a newspaper, sees them coming back, puts down the paper: "How's the preparation going?"

"All set." Jiang Ran puts An'an on the child's chair, goes to wash his hands, "Dad, are you going over tomorrow?"

"Yes, of course." Jiang Jianguo nods, "My daughter and son‑in‑law's big day, how could I miss it."

Jiang Nainai sits beside them, smiling as she rolls the Buddhist Beads: "Going, we're all going. Our whole family will support RuanRuan and Ranran."

This plain remark makes Su Ruan's nose tip tingle slightly.

She lowers her head to feed Jinjin a spoonful of egg custard, softly saying: "Thank you, Grandma, thank you, Mom and Dad."

"One family, no need for two families' talk." Li Huijuan gives her a piece of spare ribs, "Eat more, look how thin you've been these two days."

After the meal, having soothed the two children to sleep, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran lie down early, yet neither feels sleepy.

In the darkness, Jiang Ran turns his body, his arm draped over Su Ruan's waist: "Wife, after tomorrow's work is done, we really should rest for a couple of days."

"I heard the peach blossoms have opened in Xishan Gongyuan, shall we take Jinjin and An'an to see them?"

"Sure." Su Ruan turns to face him, "Bring Mom, Dad and Grandma, and go together."

"Mm." Jiang Ran replies, his fingers unconsciously twirling a strand of her hair, "Then… just the two of us go out for a meal? Just us, no kids, no work talk."

The suggestion makes Su Ruan's heart stir.

Indeed, since having children and busy opening the shop, they haven't had a moment alone for a long time.

"Okay." she whispers in agreement, leaning into his chest, "Where shall we eat?"

"Let me think…" Jiang Ran's voice carries a smile, "How about that new little restaurant next to Guoying Hotel? I heard they serve Jiang‑Zhe cuisine, light, your favorite."

He even remembers what flavor she likes.

Su Ruan feels sweet inside, gropes in the dark until she finds his lips and gives a gentle kiss.

"Jiang Ran."

"Hmm?"

"Meeting you, it's wonderful."

The words are fragmentary, yet Jiang Ran understands them.

He tightens his arm, pulling her fully into his embrace, his chin resting on the top of her head.

"Silly talk. I'm lucky, I married you."

Neither says another word, they simply hold each other quietly.

Outside the window the moonlight is clear, occasional distant dog barks drift in.

After an unknown amount of time, when Su Ruan is drowsy and about to fall asleep, she hears Jiang Ran whisper in her ear: "Sleep, tomorrow will be a great day."

The next morning, Su Ruan wakes earlier than usual.

Dawn just breaking, she opens her eyes.

Beside her Jiang Ran still sleeps deeply, an arm draped over her waist, breathing even and long.

Su Ruan gently moves his hand aside, sits up. Just as she is about to get out of bed, that arm reaches again, pulling her back into his embrace.

"It's still early…" Jiang Ran, eyes still closed, voice heavy with sleep, his cheek rubbing her neck hollow, "Sleep a bit more."

"Can't fall asleep." Su Ruan smiles helplessly, nudges his solid chest, "Lots to do today, need to get there early to prepare."

Only then does Jiang Ran reluctantly open his eyes, glance at the gray‑blue sky outside, sighes: "Fine, Boss Jiang wants to show his skill today, really need to be early."

Though he says that, he doesn't let go; instead he holds tighter, murmuring in her ear: "Wife, a kiss, consider it a good‑morning kiss."

Su Ruan laughs at his childish teasing, turns and plants a kiss on his cheek: "Alright then?"

"Half‑hearted." Jiang Ran, displeased, grabs the back of her head and kisses her firmly.

The kiss carries the lazy warmth of morning, unhurried yet deep enough.

Su Ruan at first still watches the time, gradually sinks into it, her arm climbing his shoulder.

Until both are slightly breathless, Jiang Ran releases her, foreheads touching, eyes dim: "Wait until tonight…"

"Dream on." Su Ruan, cheeks flushed, pushes him away, rolls off the bed, "Get up quickly, I'm going to check on the kids."

In the Main Hall, Li Huijuan is already up, busy in the kitchen.

Hearing the movement, she sticks her head out: "Why up so early? Get some more sleep."

"Can't sleep, Mom." Su Ruan walks into the kitchen, "I'll help you."

"No need, it'll be ready soon." Li Huijuan briskly stirs the porridge, "Today is a big day for you two, you need full spirit. Go wash up, breakfast will be ready shortly."

Jiang Ran follows in, wraps his arms around Su Ruan from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder: "Mom, today you and Dad both need to be in high spirits, right? My sister and brother‑in‑law are coming too, right?"

"Come on, why not?" Li Huijuan laughs, glancing at the cheeky little couple, "Jiang Jiaojiao called last night, Yan Shen also took leave, the whole family is coming to cheer you on."

After breakfast, they settle the two children.

Jinjin and An'an are looked after at home today by Jiang Nainai.

The family splits into two groups and sets out.

Jiang Jianguo and Li Huijuan first go to the old shop, to meet Jiang Jiaojiao and Yan Shen.

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan head straight to the new studio at the Incubation Park.

At seven‑thirty in the morning, the studio is already brightly lit.

Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu arrived early, conducting the final checks.

Douzi and Yaya, one wipes the display rack, the other adjusts the sound system.

Master Ma brings two apprentices to the entrance to set up signposts.

Seeing Jiang Ran and Su Ruan enter, everyone stops what they're doing.

"Brother Jiang, Sister Su!" Douzi's eyes light up, "Everything's ready!"

Su Ruan looks around.

The studio is spotless, soft lighting falls just right on each piece of work.

At the entrance, simple posters and process sheets are displayed; on the corner bar counter, the refreshments are already set, just waiting to be arranged before the opening.

"Thanks for everyone's hard work," she said sincerely.

"No need to thank us, we're just waiting for today!" Wang Shifu rubbed his hands, his face showing uncontainable anticipation.

Jiang Ran clapped his hands: "Alright, everyone take your positions. Douzi, go over the narration again. Yaya, memorize the music transition cues. Wang Shifu, Sun Shifu, the samples are yours. Master Ma, thank you for handling the reception at the door."

Everyone responded in unison and got busy with their tasks.

Su Ruan walked to the main display area of the Ren Series.

The moon‑white long coat hung quietly in the center, its light under the lamps shimmering with a pearl‑like warm yet cool sheen.

She reached out, gently brushing the flowing hem, feeling a calm settle within her.

Jiang Ran came over, stood beside her, said nothing, and simply took her hand.

The two stood side by side like that, watching the work they had nurtured together, as if watching a child about to set out on a journey.

At nine a. m., the first batch of guests began to arrive.

The earliest arrivals were Editor-in-chief Wang and his team. Today Editor-in-chief Wang wore a dark‑gray suit, looking more formal than usual.

Seeing the Gongzuoshi's arrangement, he nodded approvingly.

"Boss Su, Boss Jiang, I wish you success," he said, extending his hand.

"Thank you, Editor-in-chief Wang," Jiang Ran shook his hand firmly.

Next came reporters from the local media, some familiar faces who had previously covered Chongsu, and some new faces.

Shen Man was among them; today she swapped her work attire for an early‑Chongsu Modified Cheongsam, standing out brightly.

"Boss Su, Boss Jiang, go for it!" Shen Man winked at them.

At half past nine, vehicles from Provincial Capital media arrived one after another. Jiang Ran greeted them at the entrance, neither servile nor arrogant, speaking appropriately.

Su Ruan, meanwhile, welcomed the guests already present inside.

Today she wore a self‑designed ash‑gray long dress, simple in style and sharply cut, highlighting her calm and confident demeanor.

"Boss Su, this is the flagship piece of the Ren Series, right?" an editor from a Provincial Capital fashion magazine said, standing before the moon‑white coat, examining it closely. "The lines are too beautiful; this blend of softness and strength is hard to capture."

"Thank you," Su Ruan smiled. "What we aim to convey is precisely this sense of inner strength."

"It's a success," the editor affirmed. "At least in my view, it's completely successful."

Those words gave Su Ruan great confidence.

At ten o'clock, the guests were essentially all present.

The Gongzuoshi was bustling with people, yet it didn't feel crowded.

Low murmurs of conversation and soft background music created a perfectly balanced atmosphere.

Jiang Ran glanced at his watch and nodded to Su Ruan. The two walked together to the makeshift small podium.

"Ladies and gentlemen, media friends, hello everyone," Jiang Ran began, his voice loud and steady. "Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend the Chongsu brand media preview. I am Jiang Ran, partner of Chongsu."

He turned sideways, indicating Su Ruan: "This is Su Ruan, Chongsu's design director, and also my wife."