Chapter 193: When Has Your Husband Ever Made You Suffer?

Friday, the Chongsu Autumn Release Conference proceeded as scheduled.

The exhibition hall of the Provincial Art Museum was arranged with a strong modern feel yet retained an Oriental charm.

At 2 p. m., the guests began to arrive.

Media, buyers, designers, partners… the hall quickly became lively.

Backstage, Su Ruan was doing the final checks. The models had already done their makeup and were changing clothes.

"Su Jie, the button on this waist belt is a bit tight," a model said.

Su Ruan walked over and adjusted carefully: "How about this?"

"All right."

On the other side, Jiang Ran was confirming the procedure with Chen Mingyuan.

"After the opening Speech, we first play the theme short film, then the model showcase, and finally the designer interview segment," Chen Mingyuan said, holding the schedule sheet. "Media interviews are arranged after the showcase ends, in the interview area on the first floor."

"Are the lighting and music all set?"

"Don't worry, we've rehearsed three times; no problem."

At 3 p. m., the conference officially began.

The lights dimmed, and the music started.

Jiang Ran walked onto the stage, a spotlight shining on him.

"Distinguished guests, media friends, hello everyone. I am Jiang Ran of Chongsu."

His voice was steady and powerful, showing no sign of nervousness.

"One year ago, Chongsu was just a small shop in a Hu Tong. Today, a year later, we stand here to present our new collection. Behind this, we could not have done it without every friend who supported us."

After the brief opening, the theme short film played.

The visuals shifted from the city's steel and concrete to natural mountains, rivers, and foliage, finally lingering on each garment—under the sturdy suit lay soft silk, and the crisp tailoring incorporated flowing lines.

When the short film ended, the lights came back on.

The music changed, and the first model stepped onto the Runway.

The whole venue fell silent, with only the sound of shutters and music.

Su Ruan stood behind the backstage curtain, watching her pieces displayed one by one before the audience.

That feeling was indescribable.

It was like watching her child finally step onto their own stage.

Jiang Ran, at some point, had come to her side and grasped her hand.

"Are you nervous?" he asked softly.

Su Ruan shook her head, her eyes turning moist: "Not nervous… just… happy."

The showcase lasted forty minutes.

When the final group of models appeared, applause rang out.

It was the finale piece of the Ren series, that Molüse Embroidery Dayi.

At the moment the model turned, the spotlight fell on the coat, and the delicate embroidery shimmered in the light.

The applause grew even louder.

Su Ruan's tears finally fell.

Jiang Ran wrapped his arm around her shoulder and gave a gentle kiss on her forehead: "Daughter‑in‑law, you did it."

When the showcase ended, Su Ruan was invited onto the stage for the designer interview.

The host asked many questions—creative inspiration, design philosophy, brand future plans… Su Ruan answered each calmly and confidently.

When asked about the theme, she said: "The city is where we live; nature is our spiritual home."

"What I want to do is preserve a connection to nature within modern life. Like the embroidery on this coat—it comes from traditional craft but is used in contemporary design."

The interview ended, and again there was enthusiastic applause.

The conference was a complete success.

During the subsequent media interview segment, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran were surrounded by groups of reporters.

"President Su, when is this series expected to hit the market?"

"President Jiang, what are Chongsu's next plans?"

"I heard you are preparing the Shengcheng Qijiandian?"

The two answered each question patiently.

When they finally got away, it was already 6 p. m.

The celebration dinner was set at a hotel near the art museum.

All the company's staff came, and with partners they filled ten tables.

Jiang Ran raised his glass and stood: "This first toast is to my daughter‑in‑law Su Ruan! Without her, there would be no Chongsu, no today's conference!"

Everyone raised their glasses: "To Sister Su!"

Su Ruan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lifted her glass: "To everyone! Without the team, I couldn't accomplish anything alone!"

"The second toast," Jiang Ran continued, "is to Master Wang, Master Sun, Master Ma! The masters' Handcraft is the root of our Chongsu!"

"To the masters!"

"The third toast, to all staff, partners, and every friend present today! Thank you for your support!"

"Cheers!"

The atmosphere grew lively.

Douzi and Yaya ran around excitedly, clinking glasses with everyone.

Master Wang and Master Sun, unusually tipsy, kept pulling Jiang Ran into endless chatter.

Chen Mingyuan also had a lot to drink, patted Jiang Ran's shoulder and said, "Bro, you guys this time… you succeeded! Totally succeeded!"

RuanRuan was surrounded by several female entrepreneurs, exchanging startup insights.

She wore a black evening dress she designed herself today, simple and elegant, highlighting her outstanding temperament.

The celebration banquet lasted until nine p. m. After seeing off all the guests, Jiang Ran and RuanRuan left last.

Getting into the car, both were so tired they could barely speak, yet their eyes were full of smiles.

"We made it," Jiang Ran said softly, gripping the steering wheel.

"Yeah, we made it," RuanRuan said, leaning on his shoulder.

The car headed toward home.

Streetlights flickered outside the window, forming a flowing ribbon of light.

"Honey, do you still remember our first trip to the Provincial Capital to buy goods?" Jiang Ran said suddenly, "Back then we rode a green-painted train, lugging big and small bags, and there wasn't even a seat to sit on."

"I remember," RuanRuan smiled, "You got into a fight with someone just so I could have a seat."

"That kid was hogging the seat and wouldn't give it up; could I have not argued?" Jiang Ran said, justified.

"What happened afterward? How did it turn out?"

"Later the conductor came and drove him away," Jiang Ran said triumphantly, "Your husband, when have I ever let you be wronged?"

RuanRuan felt warm inside, squeezed his hand tightly: "Indeed, you never let me be wronged."

When they got home, it was already close to ten o'clock. Jiang Jianguo and Li Huijuan hadn't slept yet, waiting in the living room.

"Back?" Li Huijuan stood up, "How was it?"

"It was especially successful!" Jiang Ran could hardly hide his excitement, "Mom, you didn't see that scene… reporters surrounded us in several layers, all asking when they could buy it."

Jiang Jianguo also smiled, "That's good. RuanRuan, you're tired, right? Go take a shower and rest."

"Dad, Mom, you should go to bed early too," RuanRuan said, "Tomorrow our family will have a proper meal, I have something to discuss with you."

"What matter?" Li Huijuan asked curiously.

"We'll talk about it tomorrow," Jiang Ran teased, "Good news."

After freshening up and lying in bed, neither of them felt sleepy.

"When we tell Mom and Dad tomorrow, let me speak," Jiang Ran said.

"Okay," RuanRuan leaned into his embrace, "But be tactful, don't let them think we're asking them to move over here."

"Got it," Jiang Ran kissed her hair, "Sleep now, today was exhausting."