Chapter 176: It Was You Who Brought Me Into the Light

Su Ruan gave a slight nod: "Thank you all for coming. Chongsu has grown from a small shop to today, and it could not have happened without every friend who supports us."

"The Ren Series we showcase today is a deepening of our brand philosophy, and also a response to contemporary life."

Her speech was concise and sincere, without flowery language, yet it moved people especially.

After a simple opening, the lights dimmed, the background music switched, and the pre‑prepared video began to play.

The video was produced by Editor-in-Chief Wang's team, opening with a close‑up of the old shop's sewing machine, then gradually expanding to Su Ruan sketching, senior craftsmen cutting, and Douzi Yaya attending to customers in daily scenes.

The narration gently recounted Chongsu's founding story, finally focusing on the creation process of the Ren Series.

The clip was short, only five minutes, yet it outlined Chongsu's framework and soul clearly.

When the lights came back up, applause rang out.

Next came free exhibition viewing and explanation time.

Su Ruan and Douzi each led guests on tours, explaining each piece's design inspiration and craft features.

Jiang Ran weaved through the crowd, greeting and answering various questions.

"Boss Jiang, what plans do you have for the future?" a Provincial Capital Daily reporter asked.

"Steady and methodical, step by step," Jiang Ran replied earnestly, "First perfect the product and establish the reputation. As for a larger market, when we're ready, we'll go naturally."

"I heard a department store in the Provincial Capital is interested in you?"

Jiang Ran smiled: "Today we only discuss the works, not business. But if a suitable opportunity arises, we welcome any cooperation."

On the other side, Su Ruan was surrounded by several young designers, bombarding her with questions.

"Teacher Su, how did you think of using this fabric? Its drape and sheen are so special."

"Sister Su, how did you balance softness and strength in the curvature of the waistline?"

Su Ruan answered patiently, occasionally picking up a corner of a Sample Garment to demonstrate.

She spoke with passion, eyes sparkling, and her love and confidence in her own work infected everyone present.

Chen Mingyuan, at some point, walked up to Jiang Ran and whispered, "Boss Jiang, Boss Su is in great shape today. Several members of the Association have privately expressed strong interest in cooperation."

Jiang Ran looked toward Su Ruan not far away; she was slightly bent, explaining the Frog Button details to a young girl, her profile appearing focused and gentle under the lights.

"She's always like this," Jiang Ran said, a pride he hadn't even noticed in his own voice, "Whenever design or clothing is mentioned, her eyes light up."

Chen Mingyuan nodded thoughtfully, "Only those who truly love can create things that move hearts. Boss Jiang, after today ends, we must discuss in detail."

At 11 a. m., the media interview segment began.

The crew of the Provincial TV Station set up equipment, and the host, a capable lady, asked professional and incisive questions.

"Boss Su, is the Ren Series' design concept of inner strength inspired by your personal experience?"

Su Ruan pondered briefly, then said calmly, "Partly, yes. But more comes from the changes and challenges our generation has collectively experienced."

"Times are changing, life is hard, yet we strive to live better and with more dignity. This resilience, I want to express through clothing."

"Then what do you think clothing can carry beyond practicality and beauty?"

"Attitude," Su Ruan replied without hesitation, "The clothes you choose, to some extent, are the stance you adopt toward the world."

"What we aim to do is give those who want to live beautifully and powerfully another option."

The interview lasted about twenty minutes.

Su Ruan was a bit nervous at first, but grew more relaxed as she spoke, eventually fully in the zone.

Jiang Ran watched beside her, a smile never leaving his mouth.

His wife should stand in the light, so everyone can see her goodness.

The interview ended, and free mingling continued. The tea‑break area was crowded, with many guests exchanging business cards and chatting softly.

Jiang Jiaojiao and Gu Yanshen also arrived, both dressed very formally today.

Jiang Jiaojiao grabbed Su Ruan's hand, eyes shining: "RuanRuan, amazing! I just heard several people praising it, saying it's the most attitude‑filled domestic design they've seen this year!"

Gu Yanshen also laughed, "Ranran, RuanRuan, congratulations. Today's scene is livelier than our wedding."

Jiang Ran raised an eyebrow proudly, "Of course, my wife stepping up is inevitable."

At noon, the preview was nearing its end.

Guests gradually said their goodbyes, each receiving an exquisite gift bag containing a small Ren Series booklet and a specially made bookmark.

After the last guest left, the Gongzuoshi fell silent instantly.

Douzi plopped onto the floor: "My god, I'm exhausted… Brother Jiang, my throat is about to go hoarse."

Yaya also massaged her ankle: "High heels… never again…"

Master Wang and Master Sun, however, were full of vigor; the two senior masters gathered together, still discussing the guests' feedback on the craftsmanship.

"That editor from the Provincial Capital spotted our pulling technique at a glance; he's someone who knows the trade."

"Exactly, he even said the stitching is fine and even; even machines might not be that steady."

Jiang Ran looked around, waved his large hand: "Everyone's worked hard! Let's go to Guoying Hotel, my treat! We'll have a proper meal!"

The crowd cheered.

Lunch was set in the Guoying Hotel's largest private room.

Besides Chongsu's staff, the entire Jiang Family also came.

Two tables were pushed together, filled to the brim.

After the dishes arrived, Jiang Ran lifted his cup and stood.

"This first toast, to my wife!" his voice rang out, "Without her, there'd be no Chongsu, nor the Ren Series today! Su Ruan, thank you for your hard work!"

Everyone raised their glasses: "To Sister Su / RuanRuan!"

Su Ruan's cheeks flushed slightly as she lifted her cup: "To everyone, without you I could accomplish nothing."

"This second toast," Jiang Ran continued, "to Editor-in-Chief Wang, Editor Shen, and all the media friends present today! Thank you for your recognition and support!"

"This third toast, to ourselves! These past weeks have exhausted everyone! Today, we fought a splendid battle! Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The atmosphere became lively.

Douzi Yaya scrambled to recount the compliments she heard today; Master Wang and Master Sun unusually drank several more cups, and even Jiang Jianguo made an exception and had a little wine, a smile on his face.

Li Huijuan, while picking vegetables for Su Ruan, whispered, "You've lost weight, you've lost weight, eat more. Today you really gave me a reason to be proud; several old sisters called to ask, saying they saw you on TV!"

Su Ruan then realized that the Provincial TV Station's report had actually aired during the noon news.

Although it was only three short minutes, its impact was not to be underestimated.

Lunch lasted until 2 p. m. before they dispersed. Jiang Ran gave Douzi and the others the afternoon off to rest.

He and Su Ruan returned to the New Studio; she still had some finishing work to do.

The studio was a mess, but neither of them was in a hurry to tidy up.

Jiang Ran closed the door, turned, and pressed Su Ruan against the wall.

"Daughter‑in‑law…" his voice was low and hoarse, hot with alcohol, "Today… you're really wonderful."

Surrounded by his strong wine scent and masculine aura, Su Ruan felt her heart skip a beat and whispered, "Everyone's fine…"

"You're the best." Jiang Ran kissed her without waiting for a word.

The kiss carried the ecstatic triumph and release of victory, fierce and deep.

Su Ruan's legs went weak from his kiss; she could only cling to his shoulder, letting him take what he wanted.

After a long while, Jiang Ran finally released her, foreheads touching, breathing heavily: "Do you know… today, watching you there, glowing, I thought… this is my daughter‑in‑law, my Jiang Ran's daughter‑in‑law…"

His words were incoherent, yet especially moving.

Su Ruan's eyes grew watery; she took the initiative to kiss the corner of his mouth: "It was you who led me into the light."