Chapter 192: Planning to Buy a House

Jinjin: "Tiger's teeth... so sharp. Dad said they're for biting prey."

"Jinjin observes really carefully," Jiang Jianguo cheerfully praised his grandson.

After the meal, Su Ruan took the children to bathe. Jiang Ran went to the study; although he had rested all day, the work still needed handling.

After Su Ruan put the children to sleep, it was already past nine. She entered the study and saw Jiang Ran frowning at the computer.

"What's wrong?"

"The quotation for the press conference venue setup," Jiang Ran turned the screen toward her, "is thirty percent over budget."

Su Ruan leaned over to look, "Lighting and sound are the biggest overruns; what did Chen Mingyuan say about that?"

"He said if we want the best effect, these devices are necessary," Jiang Ran massaged his temples, "but our budget..."

"Money that must be spent still has to be spent," Su Ruan said, "It's our first time holding such a big press conference; we can't skimp. For the excess, I'll find ways to save elsewhere."

Jiang Ran looked at her, "Save where?"

"Sample Garment production," Su Ruan had already planned, "There are a few complex designs that can simplify the process. Also the fabrics—some can use substitutes; the effect is similar but much cheaper."

"Would that affect quality?"

"No," Su Ruan said confidently, "I know what I'm doing. Subtracting in design actually highlights the theme more."

Jiang Ran knew her professional judgment was never vague, so he nodded, "Alright, I'll follow your lead. Tomorrow I'll tell Chen Mingyuan to proceed with this plan."

After the business talk, Jiang Ran reached out and pulled Su Ruan onto his lap, "You're exhausted today, aren't you?"

"It's fine," Su Ruan leaned in his arms, "just my feet are a bit sore."

"Let me massage them," Jiang Ran was about to take off her slippers.

"No, we're in the study..." Su Ruan blushed.

"What's wrong with the study?" Jiang Ran was nonchalant, "We're at home; we can massage wherever we want."

He actually squatted down, placed Su Ruan's foot on his knee, and began kneading it carefully.

His technique was professional, with moderate pressure.

Su Ruan was initially a bit embarrassed, but gradually relaxed, comfortably closing her eyes.

"Jiang Ran."

"Hmm?"

"After the press conference ends, let's take the kids to the beach. Jinjin and An'an haven't seen the sea yet."

"Okay," Jiang Ran replied briskly, "We'll go to Qingdao, not far, a few hours by car. Stay two nights, let the kids play in the sand."

"Do you still remember our first trip to see the sea?" Su Ruan opened her eyes, her gaze gentle.

"I remember," Jiang Ran smiled, "We had just married then, broke as the bark, took a hard seat on a train. When you saw the sea, you were as happy as a child."

"You also said that day you got your pants wet while picking shells for me."

"That was just to make you happy."

The two recalled the past and both laughed.

Those hard years, when looked back upon now, even carry sweetness.

After massaging the foot, Jiang Ran didn't let Su Ruan down, but lifted her while standing, "Come, let's go to sleep. Tomorrow we have to get busy again."

"I can walk on my own..."

"I just want to hold you." Jiang Ran pretended, carrying her out of the study, through the living room, into the bedroom.

Li Huijuan happened to come out of the kitchen pouring water, saw the scene, laughed and shook her head, pretending not to see.

In the bedroom, Jiang Ran placed Su Ruan on the bed, lay down himself, and embraced her from behind.

"Daughter-in-law."

"Hmm?"

"Having you and the kids, it's wonderful."

Su Ruan turned, found his lips in the darkness, gave a gentle kiss, "You too."

In the final week before the press conference, the whole company entered a tense yet orderly state.

Su Ruan almost lived in the pattern-making room, polishing the last few Sample Garments with the master craftsmen.

Jiang Ran hustled among the various partners, confirming venue, equipment, media reception, and all other details.

Even so, every night the two still tried to return home early, eat dinner with the kids, and tell bedtime stories.

Thursday night, after putting Jinjin and An'an to sleep, Jiang Ran and Su Ruan sat in the living room, a bit weary, but their eyes were bright.

"All Sample Garments are finished," Su Ruan leaned on the sofa, exhaling, "Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu said it's the batch they're most satisfied with."

"The venue setup is also almost done," Jiang Ran poured a glass of water and handed it to her, "Chen Mingyuan visited this afternoon and said the effect exceeded expectations."

The two exchanged smiles, seeing pride and anticipation in each other's eyes.

"Tomorrow is the Rehearsal, the day after is the official release," Su Ruan took a sip, "Finally... it's come to this."

"Nervous?" Jiang Ran sat beside her, holding her hand.

"A little," Su Ruan said honestly, "but more is anticipation; after all we've prepared for so long, it's time to submit the work."

Jiang Ran wrapped his arm around her shoulder, "Don't worry, it'll succeed. I've always had confidence in what you design."

The two sat quietly for a while, then Su Ruan suddenly remembered, "By the way, dad and mom said today that after the press conference they will take Jinjin and An'an back to Hu Tong for a few days."

Jiang Ran frowned, "Why the sudden return?"

"Mom said Sister Jiang Jiaojiao is pregnant, she has to go back to take care of her. And over at Hu Tong, Wang Shifu's apprentice is alone looking after the old shop, they can't be at ease."

This is indeed the reality.

Since moving to the High-tech Zone, Jiang Jianguo and Li Huijuan, although they occasionally come over to bring the children, spend most of their time at the old house in Hu Tong.

Jiang Nainai has almost never come.

The elderly cling to the old and aren't used to the new environment.

Jiang Ran fell silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Wife, let's ask Mom and Dad and Grandma whether they'd be willing to move over to live together."

Su Ruan was startled, then her eyes lit up: "I was just thinking of bringing that up."

She sat up straight and said seriously, "Look, our company is here now, and we'll be working here most of the time from now on."

"Jinjin and An'an go to kindergarten here; if Mom, Dad and Grandma also move over, the whole family together, looking after each other—how wonderful."

"And the apartments here have elevators, so Grandma can go up and down easily," Jiang Ran added, "The community environment is also good, with a garden, and both the elderly and children have activity space."

The two of them, the more they talked, the more they felt it was a good idea.

"It's just that we don't know whether Mom, Dad and Grandma would be willing," Su Ruan said, a bit worried, "They've lived in Hu Tong all their lives; the neighbors are all familiar, I'm afraid they won't want to let go."

"After tomorrow's press conference ends, we'll have a good talk with them," Jiang Ran said, "If they're willing, we'll return the current apartment and get a bigger one. Or… just buy one outright."

"Buy one?" Su Ruan asked in surprise, "The housing prices here aren't cheap."

"The company's performance is good this year, should cover the down payment," Jiang Ran calculated, "And the current loan policies are favorable, we can pay it back slowly. Having the whole family live together is more important than anything."

Those words struck a chord with Su Ruan.

She nodded, "Alright, after the press conference ends, we'll tell Mom and Dad."