Chapter 208: Only Real Ones Like You Are Missing!

Jiang Ran paused, turned to her: "But the most important thing is not to lose our original heart. We came out of Hu Tong; Handcraft and sincerity are the foundation."

"Hmm." Su Ruan leaned against his shoulder, "I think the same."

The two sat for a while longer, then got up and returned to the hotel.

In the afternoon, they unusually had no work and rested in the room.

Su Ruan lay on the bed looking at the fashion week schedule booklet, while Jiang Ran handled emails beside her.

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, quiet and warm.

"By the way." Jiang Ran suddenly remembered, "General Liu said that after tomorrow's showcase ends, there will be a media group interview. They might ask some sharp questions; you should prepare."

"For example?"

"For example, as an out‑of‑town brand, why can we stand in Shanghai? For example, whether the design concept truly fits the Shanghai market. For example…" Jiang Ran paused, "they might bring up plagiarism issues."

Su Ruan frowned, "Plagiarism?"

"Just maybe." Jiang Ran said, "A tall tree catches wind. We develop fast, so envy is inevitable. Think ahead how to respond; better safe than sorry."

Su Ruan was silent for a moment, "Clean Ones Remain Clean. Our designs grow from the heart, not afraid of criticism."

"I know." Jiang Ran wrapped around her, "but the media like to create topics; we must be ready."

The two discussed some possible questions and answers, and before they knew it, night fell.

Dinner was ordered via room service.

After eating, Su Ruan began ironing the deep‑blue dress she would wear tomorrow.

Jiang Ran leaned against the headboard watching her. In the lamp light, her profile was focused and gentle.

Steam rose from the iron, cloaking her in a hazy aura.

"Daughter‑in‑law." He suddenly spoke.

"Hmm?"

"You look really beautiful."

Su Ruan's face flushed; she scolded him with a glance, "It's already… you still say that."

"No matter when, you must never forget to compliment my daughter‑in‑law." Jiang Ran walked over, embraced her from behind, "Tomorrow you'll definitely be the most beautiful in the whole venue."

Su Ruan set down the iron, turned to face him, "Tomorrow's star is the dress, not me."

"The dress is your design, so you are the most beautiful designer." Jiang Ran said confidently.

Su Ruan laughed, wrapped her arms around his neck, "Only you can say that."

The two embraced in front of the ironing board, staying together for a long time.

This moment of tranquility and warmth was the best recharge for tomorrow's tense battle.

Friday, the day Shanghai Fashion Week officially opened.

At six in the morning, the two were already awake.

They washed up, ate breakfast, changed clothes.

Su Ruan put on the deep‑blue dress, Jiang Ran helped pull the zipper at the back.

"Turn around so I can see," Jiang Ran said.

Su Ruan turned. The dress fit perfectly, highlighting her outstanding temperament. The J&S Embroidery on the inner collar was faint, like a little secret.

"Perfect." Jiang Ran's eyes lit up, "My daughter‑in‑law is a natural clothing rack."

Su Ruan adjusted his tie, "You too. This suit looks sharp."

At seven, the group arrived at the exhibition hall.

The backstage was already bustling; staff from various brands were making final preparations.

Models began doing makeup and changing outfits. Su Ruan checked each garment again, confirming no issues.

Jiang Ran was confirming the media list and seat arrangements.

At 9:30, the audience began to enter. A crowd gradually gathered in front of the Chongsu booth. From a backstage gap, Su Ruan saw General Liu seated with several important clients.

At 9:50, music started for the warm‑up. Backstage, models lined up; Su Ruan inspected each model's makeup and clothing one by one.

"Take a deep breath," she whispered to the first model, "just like a Rehearsal."

The model nodded, eyes steady.

At 10:00 sharp, the showcase officially began.

Lights dimmed then brightened, music changed. The first model stepped out from backstage, stride steady.

Su Ruan stood behind the curtain, heart racing. She could hear the front‑stage reactions.

Low murmurs of awe, camera shutters. Every dress that appeared sparked a small stir.

Jiang Ran, at some point, came to her side and took her hand. His hand was warm and strong, conveying strength to her.

The showcase proceeded smoothly.

Every model performed steadily, every dress displayed its best condition.

When the final Molüse Embroidery Dayi appeared, the venue erupted in applause.

Eight minutes, the showcase ended. Models collectively took a bow, applause grew hotter.

Su Ruan's tears welled up. She clutched Jiang Ran's hand tightly, speechless.

"We succeeded," Jiang Ran whispered in her ear, "Daughter‑in‑law, you succeeded."

After the showcase, the media group interview began. As Jiang Ran predicted, the reporters' questions grew sharper one after another.

"President Su, as an out‑of‑town brand, do you think Chongsu is competitive in Shanghai?"

"Competitiveness comes from the product itself," Su Ruan answered calmly, "Shanghai is an open city, welcoming all excellent brands. I believe that as long as the product is good, it can win the market."

"There are rumors that the 'Ren' series' design inspiration came from a foreign brand; what do you think?"

The question silenced the room for a moment. Jiang Ran wanted to speak, but Su Ruan gently held his hand.

She looked at the questioning reporter and smiled: "The inspiration for the 'Ren' series comes from the resilience of our generation amid era changes. This resilience is Chinese, it is native, it is our own story. If we must say we borrowed, what we borrowed is life, the times, every ordinary person's perseverance."

Her answer was neither humble nor arrogant, earning many approving gazes.

The group interview lasted twenty minutes. After it ended, many media people stepped forward to exchange business cards, expressing a desire to arrange exclusive interviews later.

"Handled very well," Jiang Ran whispered in Su's ear.

"You reminded me in time," Su Ruan replied softly.

In the afternoon, they attended several industry networking events.

The name Chongsu was mentioned frequently; many people came over to greet them and expressed cooperation intentions.

In the evening, General Manager Liu hosted a celebratory dinner at a riverside restaurant. Besides the Chongsu team, several key clients and media personnel were present.

"Director Jiang, Director Su, today's presentation was a great success," Liu raised his glass, "I toast to you both."

"Thank you for your support, Liu," Jiang Ran clinked glasses with her.

"Honestly, I've seen many brands come to Shanghai, but ones as well‑prepared and sincere as you are rare," Liu sighed, "The Shanghai market is fiercely competitive, but what it lacks most is genuine quality like yours."

Those words were the highest affirmation they could receive.

Midway through the dinner, Su Ruan went to the restroom. When she returned, she met Lin Xiaoyu in the hallway.

"Teacher Su!" Lin Xiaoyu's eyes were red, "Today… was amazing."

"Why are you crying?" Su Ruan handed her a tissue.

"I'm emotional." Lin Xiaoyu took the tissue, "Seeing those clothes on the Runway, seeing so many people applaud… I felt that being able to take part was so lucky."

Su Ruan patted her shoulder: "Your photos are great too. When we get back, we'll carefully select some for promotion."

"Really?" Lin Xiaoyu's eyes lit up again.