Chapter 183: Moving In! Sign Unveiled!

One year later, early summer.

Provincial Capital, the newly developed High-tech Zone, in front of a five‑story building.

Jiang Ran jumped down from a brand‑new van, looked up at the sign just hung on the roof—"Chongsu Clothing Co., Ltd."—the gilded lettering sparkling in the sunlight.

"Daughter‑in‑law, look quickly!" he turned and reached toward the vehicle.

Su Ruan steadied his hand as he stepped out of the van.

She also looked up at the sign, her eyes flashing slightly.

In a year, the changes were earth‑shaking.

The preview event's success brought ongoing attention and orders.

The Provincial Capital department store opened two specialty counters, with sales far exceeding expectations.

The Chen Mingyuan Association held three promotion meetings, making Chongsu well‑known in the design circle.

At the provincial exhibition and sales fair, they won the "Most Promising Brand" award.

Half a year ago, they registered the company.

Three months ago, they began scouting for office and display space.

A month ago, they signed the lease for this five‑story building.

Today, the sign is up, and the company officially moves in.

"Brother Jiang, Sister Su, everything's ready!"

Douzi ran out of the building, his face unable to hide his excitement.

"Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu are in the pattern‑making room on the fifth floor, Ma Shifu is inventorying in the fourth‑floor warehouse," Douzi said quickly, "the first‑floor exhibition hall's lighting has been adjusted, the second‑floor office area's network is up, the third‑floor sample room…"

"Take your time," Su Ruan interrupted with a smile, "no rush, we have plenty of time."

"I'm just excited!" Douzi rubbed his hands, "from the little shop in Hu Tong to this huge building… it's like a dream."

Jiang Ran patted his shoulder, "Even dreams have to end. Come on, let's go in and take a look."

The first floor is the brand exhibition hall.

The six‑meter‑high space has lighting designed just right.

At the center is the permanent exhibition of the "Ren" series, with the "South Wind North Rhythm" and "Art Realm Series" series on either side.

The innermost area also houses a VIP reception zone.

"This booth is more grand than last year's provincial exhibition," Jiang Ran looked around and nodded with satisfaction.

Su Ruan walked to a wall, which was her design manuscript wall.

From the earliest sketches drawn in the Hu Tong Store to the mature design drawings now, arranged chronologically, it resembles a condensed brand history.

"Sister Su, look here," Yaya came over, holding a tablet, "this is the newly made electronic catalog; clients can browse and zoom details directly on the tablet, far more convenient than paper albums."

Su Ruan took the tablet and swiped the screen.

High‑definition images, detailed Handcraft explanations, and even a few short production‑process videos.

"This one is good," she affirmed, "clients in the Provincial Capital are more accustomed to this modern presentation style."

The second floor is the office area.

Open workstations, several private offices, and a small conference room.

Quite a few employees are already busy.

In this year, the team grew from a handful of people to over thirty.

"Boss Jiang, Boss Su," a young girl wearing glasses stood up, "I'm the new design assistant, Lin Xiao."

"Welcome aboard," Su Ruan smiled, "just call me Sister Su from now on, no need to call me boss."

Lin Xiao nodded nervously, "Okay, okay, Sister Su."

Jiang Ran whispered to Su Ruan, "See? You're the boss now."

Su Ruan gave him a reproachful look, "You're also Boss Jiang."

"It sounds awkward to me," Jiang Ran scratched his head, "'Brother Jiang' rolls off the tongue better."

The third floor houses the sample room and fabric warehouse.

An entire wall of fabric samples, arranged by material and color, was spectacular.

In the sample room, the newest autumn‑winter Sample Garments were already taking shape.

The fourth floor is the warehouse and logistics center. Ma Shifu was directing two youngsters to inventory the goods.

"Boss Jiang, Boss Su!" Ma Shifu saw them and strode over, "This batch of newly arrived Silk is superb! Look at the luster, the feel!"

He unfurled an ash‑gray Silk, the fabric shimmering like water under the light.

Su Ruan reached out, felt it, and nodded, "Fine material. The autumn‑winter coat will use this."

The fifth floor is the design pattern‑making center. Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu each occupy a studio, filled with various professional equipment and tools.

"Wang Shifu, Sun Shifu, thanks for moving over," Su Ruan said as she entered Wang Shifu's studio.

"No trouble at all," Wang Shifu, adjusting a newly bought imported cutting machine, said, "This equipment is far stronger than the one at our old shop. The edges it cuts are perfectly even."

Sun Shifu also came over from the next room, "RuanRuan, take a look at the curvature of this sleeve gusset; I tested it on the new mannequin, and it's more conforming to the human contour than before."

Although the two master craftsmen were older, they adapted to the new equipment and techniques quickly.

In their words, "A Handcraft Person's work—good tools are the embellishment on brocade."

After touring the five floors, they returned to the first‑floor exhibition hall.

Jiang Ran stood before the huge floor‑to‑ceiling window, watching the bustling street outside, and let out a long sigh.

"Daughter‑in‑law, we… really made it here."

A year ago, they were still worrying about whether they could move into the Incubation Park.

A year later, they have their own company, their own brand, their own team.

Su Ruan walks to his side and looks out the window: "Yeah, we really have made it here."

Her hand is grasped by Jiang Ran.

The two stand side by side, neither says a word, just quietly watching the new world they are about to strive for.

"Brother Jiang, Sister Su!" Douzi runs over again, holding a folder, "At 2 p. m., Mr. Chen Mingyuan has arranged a meeting to discuss the Autumn Joint Press Conference. At 4 p. m., the department store's purchasing manager will come to see the new samples. At 6 p. m., the High‑tech Zone Management Committee has a welcome dinner, inviting newly settled companies to attend."

The schedule is packed.

Jiang Ran looks at Su Ruan: "Is it doable? Are you tired?"

Su Ruan shakes her head: "Not tired. Let's go, have lunch first, then prepare for the afternoon talks."

A new small restaurant opened next to the company, clean and affordable.

The two have a simple lunch and return to the second‑floor office.

Su Ruan's office is at the innermost part, not large, but arranged cozily.

By the window sits the pot of green ivy she brought from home, and on the desk rests a family portrait.

Jinjin and An'an have each grown a year older, smiling brightly in the photo.

Jiang Ran's office is right next door, but the style is completely different.

Simple and functional, a map of the Provincial Capital hangs on the wall, with several department stores' locations marked in red ink.

At 1:50 p. m., Chen Mingyuan arrives on time.

A year of cooperation has greatly benefited both sides.

Chen Mingyuan's Association has seen its industry reputation soar after introducing a premium brand like Chongsu.

And Chongsu, through the Association, has opened up high‑end contacts in the Provincial Capital.

"General Manager Jiang, General Manager Su, congratulations on the relocation!" Chen Mingyuan presents a basket of flowers, "The location is well chosen; the High‑tech Zone is the focus of future development."

"Mr. Chen, you're being modest; just call me Jiang Ran," Jiang Ran shakes his hand with him, "I also have to thank you for your support over the past year and a half."