Chapter 198: Opening a Store in Shanghai

"Both of us will go," Jiang Ran decided immediately, "We'll arrange the company's affairs, go for two days. Just consider it... market research."

The decision was made abruptly, but the execution was swift.

Su Ruan then handed over her current tasks to the design assistant.

Early Wednesday morning, the two boarded the train to Shanghai.

On the train, Su Ruan watched the fields rushing past the window, feeling a bit uneasy.

"Nervous?" Jiang Ran grasped her hand.

"A little," Su Ruan nodded, "It feels... like going to war."

"It's not war, it's scouting," Jiang Ran laughed, "If it works, we have another route. If not, we can treat it as tourism."

The train arrived in Shanghai in the afternoon.

After leaving the station, both felt a bit unaccustomed.

There were too many people, the buildings too tall, the traffic too dense.

Following the address given by Director Liu, they first went to Nanjing Road.

Even on a weekday afternoon, Nanjing Road was still a sea of people.

Brand boutiques lined up one after another, and the shop windows displayed a dazzling array of goods.

"So this is... Nanjing Road," Su Ruan looked up at the huge signs.

"So many people," Jiang Ran remarked, "Several times more than the busiest street in the Provincial Capital."

They found the Collection Store that was under renovation.

The location was excellent, in the middle of the pedestrian street, with a spacious façade.

Through the gaps in the barriers, they could see construction inside.

"If our counter were here..." Su Ruan imagined, "How many people would pass by each day?"

"At least tens of thousands," Jiang Ran said, "But the key is how many will enter the store, and how many of those will buy."

They spent the afternoon strolling Nanjing Road, looking at over a dozen clothing stores.

Some shops had a constant stream of customers, while others were almost deserted.

That night, back at the hotel, both were somewhat weary, but their thoughts were much clearer.

"I've observed," Su Ruan said after showering, drying her hair, "The best-selling stores are either international big brands or local brands with particularly outstanding design. We belong to the latter, so we have a chance."

Jiang Ran took the towel to dry her hair, "But the competition is fierce. Today I saw several local brands with decent designs."

"So the key is how to stand out," Su Ruan turned, her eyes bright, "I thought of it—we could make a Shanghai Limited Edition."

"Limited Edition?"

"Right," Su Ruan grew more excited, "A style exclusively for Shanghai counters, not sold in the Provincial Capital or elsewhere. The design incorporates Shanghai elements, but not too overt—subtle, with quality."

Jiang Ran's eyes lit up, "Great idea! Rarity makes things valuable; a Limited Edition can attract customers who seek uniqueness."

The two discussed into the late night, their ideas becoming clearer.

The next day, they went to see other commercial districts of Shanghai.

Huaihai Road, Xujiahui, Lujiazui.

Each place had a different atmosphere and clientele.

In the afternoon, they arranged to meet Director Liu at a café near the Collection Store.

"Seen it? How does it feel?" Director Liu asked with a smile.

"Impressive," Jiang Ran said frankly, "And it adds more pressure."

"Pressure is a good thing," Director Liu said, "Without pressure, there's no motivation. So, have you decided?"

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan exchanged a glance, Su Ruan spoke, "We are willing to cooperate. But we have a few ideas we'd like to discuss with Director Liu."

She explained the Limited Edition concept and offered some concrete cooperation details.

Director Liu, after listening, nodded satisfactorily, "Director Su indeed has ideas; the Limited Edition angle is excellent. We can cooperate on dedicated promotion. Other details can be discussed later."

With the preliminary intention reached, both sides breathed a sigh of relief.

"By the way," Director Liu suddenly recalled, "Next month Shanghai has a fashion week. If you're interested, I can help secure a showcase opportunity for you. It's only a sub‑venue, but still a good chance for exposure."

That was another pleasant surprise.

On the return train, both were in a state of excitement and fatigue.

"Didn't expect... it to go so smoothly," Su Ruan leaned on Jiang Ran's shoulder.

"It's because we prepared thoroughly," Jiang Ran embraced her, "Opportunities belong to those who are prepared."

"We need to hurry with preparations back home," Su Ruan was already planning, "Design of the Limited Edition, assembling the Shanghai team, production scheduling..."

"One step at a time," Jiang Ran kissed her hair, "Sleep a bit first; I'll call you when it's time."

After returning from Shanghai, life seemed to hit the fast‑forward button.

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan practically lived at the company.

Preparing the Shanghai counter, designing the Limited Edition, fashion week samples... each was a new challenge, each demanding all their energy.

At the new home, Li Huijuan keenly noticed her son and daughter‑in‑law's unusual busyness.

On Thursday night, Jiang Ran and Su Ruan didn't get home until after ten.

The restaurant lights were still on, and Li Huijuan sat at the table knitting.

"Mom, why aren't you asleep yet?" Su Ruan, having changed shoes, said with fatigue in her voice.

"Waiting for you," Li Huijuan put down what she was doing, "Have you eaten?"

"We ate at the office," Jiang Ran took off his coat, "Jinjin and An'an asleep?"

"Went to bed early," Li Huijuan got up to the kitchen, "I heated soup for you; have some before you sleep."

Two steaming bowls of chicken soup were placed on the table; Li Huijuan sat opposite, watching them drink.

"Mom, you have something to say?" Jiang Ran sensed it.

Li Huijuan was silent for a moment: "You two lately… are you hiding something from us?"

Su Ruan's hand paused mid‑soup, and she looked at Jiang Ran. Jiang Ran set down his spoon: "Mom, you saw it?"

"I'm your mother; how could I not tell?" Li Huijuan sighed, "You were busy before, but not this much. These past days you come home at midnight every night and leave before dawn. Jinjin and An'an ask every day why dad and mom don't come back for meals."

Those words made Su Ruan feel a pang in her heart: "Mom, I'm sorry…"

"I'm not blaming you," Li Huijuan waved her hand, "I'm worried. You are young, striving for your careers; I understand. But your health matters, you can't burn out like this."

Jiang Ran clasped his mother's hand: "Mom, we really are busy with a big matter. It hasn't been finalized yet, so we didn't tell you and dad, fearing you'd worry."

"What matter?"

"Shanghai," Su Ruan whispered, "a department store has invited us to open a counter on Nanjing Road."

Li Huijuan was stunned: "Shanghai? Nanjing Road? That… that's not…"

"China's most bustling commercial street," Jiang Ran continued, "the opportunity is rare, but the challenge is great. We went to Shanghai last week to look, and we're preparing."

Li Huijuan took a moment to digest the news, and a complex expression appeared on her face—pride, worry, and a hint of reluctance.

"Going to Shanghai… open a shop?"

"It's a counter, not moving the whole store," Su Ruan explained, "the company remains in the Provincial Capital; we're just setting up a point in Shanghai."

"But the early preparation is hectic; we have to design exclusive styles, assemble a team, prepare samples…"

She paused: "Next month Shanghai has a fashion week; we may need to showcase there."

Li Huijuan was silent for a long time, then slowly nodded: "Alright… alright. You have ambition; going to Shanghai is a good thing."