Chapter 204: Missing Dad

"I know," Su Ruan bent down, kissed his forehead, "Take care, don't overexert yourself."

Jiang Ran pulled her over and let her sit on his lap: "You too. The sample adjustment lets Wang Shifu and the others put in more effort; don't try to do everything yourself."

"Mm," Su Ruan leaned against his chest, "By the way, that Lin Xiaoyu from yesterday..."

"You want to use them?"

"Give it a try," Su Ruan said, "Fashion Week needs a photographer; if they really have the skill, give the youngster a chance."

"Fine, you decide." Jiang Ran kissed her hair, "My daughter-in-law has a good eye for people."

The two lingered affectionately for a while longer, then each began their work.

In the following days, the two returned to their respective busy routines.

Jiang Ran went to Shanghai, while Su Ruan stayed at the company overseeing the sample adjustment and Fashion Week preparations.

Wednesday afternoon, all the samples were fully adjusted. Su Ruan inspected them one by one, nodding with satisfaction: "Wang Shifu, Sun Shifu, thank you for your hard work."

"It was my duty," Wang Shifu took off his bifocals, "Having these garments displayed in Shanghai is a pride for us Handcraft Persons."

"Indeed," Sun Shifu unusually added a few more words, "I've been in this trade for forty years and never imagined my clothes could go to Shanghai. RuanRuan, thank you for giving us this opportunity."

Su Ruan's eyes grew slightly warm: "It's your Handcraft that's excellent."

As she spoke, the reception desk knocked: "Ms. Su, Miss Lin is here to see you; she said it was an appointment."

"Let her in."

Lin Xiaoyu entered carrying a camera bag, and upon seeing the room full of Sample Garments, their eyes widened: "Ms. Su... are all these for display?"

"Yes," Su Ruan smiled, "Take a look first, get a feel. Tomorrow we'll go to the photography studio for a test shoot."

Lin Xiaoyu moved cautiously through the Sample Garment room, pausing now and then to examine closely, murmuring, "This lighting... this line... so beautiful..."

Su Ruan observed their reaction from beside. This girl has a high sensitivity to beauty and understands clothing well— they can discern the design's details and ingenuity, not just a layperson watching for fun.

"Xiao Yu," Su Ruan called them.

"Ah, Ms. Su," Lin Xiaoyu snapped back, a bit embarrassed, "I got too absorbed..."

"Do you like it?"

"I love it!" Lin Xiaoyu's eyes lit up, "It's more stunning than what I saw on TV. Especially the embroidery on this coat; up close it's extremely delicate."

Su Ruan smiled, "Tomorrow's test shoot is up to you."

"I'll definitely give it my all!" Lin Xiaoyu nodded vigorously.

The next day, in the photography studio. The lighting technician, makeup artist, and model were all in place. Lin Xiaoyu was participating in this kind of commercial shoot for the first time, feeling a bit nervous.

"Relax," Su Ruan patted their shoulder, "Just like when you usually shoot your work. The important thing is to capture the garment's soul."

"Soul..." Lin Xiaoyu murmured, taking a deep breath, raising the camera.

The first shooting session began. Lin Xiaoyu was a bit awkward at first, but quickly got into the flow. They continuously adjusted angles, seeking the best lighting, directing the model's poses.

"Right, lower the head a bit more... let the hands fall naturally... good, hold that..."

The shutter sound was crisp and rhythmic.

Su Ruan stood behind the monitor watching, admiration evident in her eyes. This girl truly has talent and is very diligent.

During the break, Lin Xiaoyu ran over: "Ms. Su, take a look at these."

Su Ruan flipped through the photos in the camera. Lin Xiaoyu had captured the feeling they wanted.

Clothes are not just clothes; they're attitude, they're a story.

"Very good," Su Ruan said affirmatively, "Continue this state in the afternoon."

"Yes!"

The day's shooting ended, everyone was exhausted, but the results were pleasing. Lin Xiaoyu's photos had commercial appeal and artistic sense, completely exceeding Su Ruan's expectations.

"You worked hard today," Su Ruan said to Lin Xiaoyu, "I'll look at the photos tonight; you go back and rest."

"Alright, Ms. Su." Though tired, Lin Xiaoyu was exhilarated, "I learned a lot today!"

After seeing everyone off, Su Ruan returned to the office and began selecting photos. While looking, the phone rang.

It was Jiang Ran.

"Daughter-in-law, what are you doing?" Jiang Ran's slightly weary voice came over the phone.

"I'm picking photos," Su Ruan said, "Today's test shoot was a success; Lin Xiaoyu has great talent."

"That's good," Jiang Ran paused, "Shanghai here... the situation is a bit complicated."

"What happened?"

"It's not just an electrical issue," Jiang Ran sighed, "Property, fire safety, urban management... layer upon layer of approvals, obstacles everywhere. Director Liu is trying to coordinate, but some procedures just can't be rushed."

Su Ruan heard the fatigue in his voice: "You haven't slept well for a few days?"

"About two days," Jiang Ran chuckled wryly, "But don't worry, I can handle it. It's just... I may have to stay a few more days."

"Don't overexert yourself," Su Ruan said with concern, "Your health comes first."

"Understood," Jiang Ran's voice softened, "I've been missing you. Also Jinjin and An'an."

"They miss you too," Su Ruan whispered, "Yesterday An'an asked when dad would come back."

After a few seconds of silence on the other end, Jiang Ran said, "Once I finish things here, I'll head back right away."

They chatted a bit more, then reluctantly hung up.

Su Ruan looked at the phone, feeling a bit empty inside. Though it was only a few days apart, she had grown used to seeing him every day at home, leaning in his arms to talk.

She shook her head and kept working. Only by doing her job well can she lessen his worries.

Friday evening, Jiang Ran still hadn't returned. Su Ruan, unusually leaving on time, wanted to spend more time with the kids.

Arriving home, Jinjin and An'an were playing with blocks in the living room. Seeing their mother, the two children ran over.

"Mom, where's dad?" An'an asked, looking up with a little face.

"Dad is still working in Shanghai," Su Ruan lifted her daughter, "He'll be back tomorrow."

"I miss dad…" An'an whispered.

Jinjin also came over, grabbed mom's hand: "Dad… tired?"

"A bit tired." Su Ruan crouched down, pulled her son into her arms, "So we have to be good, wait for dad to return, and let him rest properly."

"Mm." Jinjin nodded seriously.

Li Huijuan came out of the kitchen: "RuanRuan back? Just in time, let's eat."

At the dining table, Jiang Nainai asked, "When will Ranran come back?"

"Tomorrow, I guess." Su Ruan said, "He said he'll come back once he's done handling it."

"This child is always so driven." Jiang Nainai sighed, "Just like his grandfather. Back then his grandfather was at the Garment Factory, also worked very hard."

Jiang Jianguo spoke, "Men, when it's time to push, they have to push. But RuanRuan, don't overexert yourself either. I've noticed your complexion hasn't been good these past few days."

"I'm fine, dad." Su Ruan smiled, "Just that there have been many things lately."

After finishing the meal, Su Ruan played with the children for a while, then told a story, coaxing them to fall asleep.

She returned to her own room; it was empty.

Usually at this time, Jiang Ran is either handling work in the study, or has already finished showering and is on the bed reading, waiting for her.

Su Ruan took a shower, lay on the bed, but couldn't fall asleep.

She picked up her phone, wanted to call Jiang Ran, but feared disturbing his work.

While hesitating, the phone rang; it was Jiang Ran.