Chapter 209: That

"Of course." Su Ruan smiled, "You have great talent; you'll have more opportunities in the future."

Back in the private room, Jiang Ran was already looking for her: "Where did you go? Everyone was looking for you."

"I ran into Xiao Yu and chatted for a bit."

Jiang Ran clasped her hand: "You're tired, aren't you? We'll sit a while longer and then leave."

"Okay."

The celebration banquet ended at ten p. m. Back at the hotel, both of them were exhausted.

Su Ruan was too weak even to take off her dress and collapsed onto the bed. Jiang Ran came over and pulled open the back zipper for her.

"You worked hard today," he said softly.

"It was worth it." Su Ruan turned over, looking at him, "Jiang Ran, we made it."

"Yeah, we did." Jiang Ran leaned down to kiss her, "My wife is the best."

The kiss was gentle and lingering, filled with victorious joy and weary relaxation. As the clothes slipped off piece by piece and skin met skin, both sighed contentedly.

"Jiang Ran…" Su Ruan wrapped her arms around his neck, "Love me."

"Love." Jiang Ran's kiss landed on her forehead, eyes, tip of the nose, and finally rested on her lips, "I'll love you for this whole life."

That night there was no tension, no pressure, only pure celebration and intimacy.

Afterwards, the two embraced and lay on the bed. Outside, Shanghai's lights glittered, but none compared to the light in each other's eyes at that moment.

"What are we doing tomorrow?" Su Ruan asked softly.

"We'll go to the boutique in the morning, and in the afternoon… I'll take you for a walk on the Bund," Jiang Ran said, "I've been to Shanghai so many times, yet I haven't taken you to stroll properly."

"Okay." Su Ruan leaned into his arms, "Then go home. I miss the kids."

"Yeah, home."

Sunday morning, Shanghai drizzled with fine rain.

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan slept until they woke naturally— the first time in several days. When the curtains were drawn, the skyscrapers outside were hazy in the rain mist, giving a unique charm.

"No need to rush today," Jiang Ran embraced Su Ruan from behind while she was brushing her hair, "Sleep as long as you want."

Su Ruan looked at him from the mirror: "Weren't we supposed to go to the boutique?"

"Going in the afternoon works too," Jiang Ran rested his chin on her shoulder, "In the morning… we'll just lounge in bed."

As he spoke, his hand began to get mischievous. Su Ruan grabbed his hand: "Stop it… Douzi and the others are coming in a bit…"

"They know today is a day off," Jiang Ran kissed her neck, "And… after yesterday's celebration, there should be a reward today, right?"

Su Ruan felt tickled by his kiss, laughed and dodged, "What reward…"

"What do you think?" Jiang Ran turned her around, face to face, "Mrs Jiang achieved a great feat, Boss Jiang should reward her properly."

His kiss came down, gentle yet domineering. Su Ruan quickly surrendered, wrapping her arms around his neck in response.

The rain pattered, but the room's temperature rose gradually. This morning's intimacy was lazier and more indulgent than usual. No time pressure, no work urging, only each other's breath and heartbeat.

Afterwards, the two lay down for a long while before getting up. After showering, it was already close to ten o'clock.

"Are you hungry?" Jiang Ran asked.

"A little."

"Call room service or go out to eat?"

Su Ruan thought for a moment: "Let's go out. After so many days in Shanghai, I haven't had a proper authentic Shanghai breakfast."

The two changed clothes and went out. The rain had stopped, and the air was fresh. They found an old‑brand breakfast shop, ordering xiaolongbao, pan‑fried buns, and soy milk.

"It tastes different from home," Su Ruan said after a bite of xiaolongbao, "a bit sweeter."

"Shanghai's palate leans sweet," Jiang Ran said, "but it's quite tasty."

While eating, Jiang Ran said, "We'll go to the boutique in the afternoon, then buy things for the family. We'll head home early tomorrow morning."

"What should we buy?" Su Ruan asked, "For Mom, Dad, and Grandma, for Jinjin and An'an, and for Sister Jiaojiao…"

"As for Sister Jiaojiao," Jiang Ran thought, "I'm not sure if it's a boy or a girl, just buy something. It can be used later anyway."

Su Ruan nodded, "Alright. What about Jinjin and An'an?"

"Boys' and girls' stuff are definitely different," Jiang Ran laughed, "Jinjin wants a plane cannon, An'an wants a doll skirt."

"That's your stereotype," Su Ruan chided, "Jinjin likes reading, An'an likes drawing. We should buy according to their interests."

"I'll listen to my wife," Jiang Ran raised his hand in surrender, "You tell me what to buy, and I'll buy it."

After the meal, the two strolled slowly toward the boutique. Post‑rain Nanjing Road felt fresher, and even though it was Sunday, the crowd was still dense.

Inside the boutique, customers were already selecting items. The sales associate was patiently explaining.

Seeing Jiang Ran and Su Ruan enter, the sales associate tried to greet them, but Jiang Ran gestured to stop; they wanted to observe as ordinary customers.

"What material is this coat?" a middle‑aged lady asked.

"Silk blended with wool, warm and breathable," the associate replied, "You can feel it; the texture is excellent."

"How much?"

"Two thousand eight."

The lady hesitated a bit. The associate continued, "This is a designer Limited Edition; the Shanghai boutique has only ten pieces. Moreover, our cut and craftsmanship let you feel the difference as soon as you wear it."

After trying it on, the lady was indeed satisfied and finally decided to purchase.

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan exchanged a glance, each seeing satisfaction in the other's eyes.

They stayed in the boutique for over an hour, observing several waves of customers. Most were interested, and the conversion rate was pretty good.

"General Manager Liu's management really has a system," Jiang Ran said softly.

"Yeah," Su Ruan nodded, "The sales associate knows the product well, explains thoroughly, and has a good attitude."

As they left the boutique, General Manager Liu happened to walk over.

"General Manager Jiang, General Manager Su, you're here," Liu said with a smile, "How's it? Still satisfied?"

"Very satisfied," Jiang Ran shook hands with her, "President Liu manages well."

"It's your product that's good," President Liu said, "We've already sold five pieces this morning; performance is decent."

After chatting for a while, the two saw each other off and began today's main event—shopping!

"Let's go to the children's goods store first," Su Ruan said, "to buy gifts for Jinjin and An'an."

On Nanjing Road there is a very large children's department store. Upon entering, the dazzling array of goods made one's eyes spin.

"This is suitable for Jinjin," Jiang Ran picked up a deluxe set of Encyclopedia, "They like reading."

Su Ruan glanced at the price, hesitated a bit: "Isn't it too expensive?"

"It's for my son; what's wrong with it being pricey," Jiang Ran said confidently, "Besides, this is a gift to celebrate our success in Shanghai."

Su Ruan smiled and shook her head: "What about An'an?"

"An'an…" Jiang Ran looked around, "There's Drawing Tools over there; let's check it out."

The Drawing Tools section was indeed abundant.

Su Ruan selected a professional set of children's Drawing Tools—crayons, watercolors, sketchbook, and a small easel.

"This is good," Jiang Ran said, "An'an will definitely like it."

Then came the toy area. Jiang Ran set his eyes on a Remote Control Plane: "For Jinjin; I'll take them to the park this weekend."

Su Ruan chose a beautiful Doll: "Although An'an likes drawing, she also likes dolls. This one can change clothes and can cultivate her aesthetic sense."