Chapter 210: Splurging

The gifts for the two kids are chosen; next are Jiang Jiaojiao's.

"Baby supplies are on the third floor," the sales assistant pointed out.

The baby supplies section is even more dazzling.

Little clothes, little shoes, little toys—each one is so cute it melts the heart.

"I don't know if it's a boy or a girl…" Su Ruan looked at the two rows of different‑colored clothes, "Buy a bit of each?"

"Buy both," Jiang Ran waved his hand, "One set pink, one set blue. The kids grow fast anyway, so have a few extra to swap."

They picked two onesies, one pink and one blue; two pairs of tiny socks, one with little rabbit pattern and one with little bear pattern; and two pacifiers, one pink and one blue.

"What about toys?" Su Ruan asked.

"Buy that musical rotating bell," Jiang Ran said, pointing at the hanging toy on the shelf, "It can be hung on the crib so the baby can see and hear it."

Finally, they also bought a baby photo album whose cover read, "Welcome to this world."

"When the kids are born, we can take photos for them and record their growth," Su Ruan said.

"Good idea," Jiang Ran nodded.

The gifts for the kids are done; now it's the elders' turn.

Grandma Jiang likes tea, so they went to a tea shop and bought premium Longjing.

Jiang Jianguo loves reading, and bought a deluxe set of historical volumes.

Li Huijuan enjoys knitting, so she bought some imported yarn and a modern pattern book.

"The gifts for Mom, Dad and Grandma seem fewer than those for the kids," Su Ruan felt a bit guilty.

"The elders aren't after these," Jiang Ran said, "Spending more time with them is better than anything."

"Indeed."

Shopping finished, their hands were full of big and small bags. When they returned to the hotel, it was already four p. m.

"You're tired, right?" Jiang Ran set the things down, "Rest a while; tonight I'll take you to The Bund to see the night view."

"Okay."

Su Ruan was indeed tired; she lay on the bed and fell asleep quickly.

Jiang Ran tucked the blanket over her, and sat beside her to organize today's shopping list.

A little after five, Su Ruan woke up. Seeing Jiang Ran scribbling and drawing at the desk, she asked softly, "What are you doing?"

"Doing the accounts," Jiang Ran turned and smiled, "We spent just under ten thousand today; we need to record it clearly."

"That much?" Su Ruan sat up.

"Spending on family is worth it," Jiang Ran closed the notebook, "Awake? Then let's get going; the night view of The Bund is about to start."

At half past six, the two arrived at The Bund. The lanterns were just lit, and the skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river glittered with brilliant lights, while ships came and went on the Huangpu River.

"So beautiful," Su Ruan leaned on the rail, "It's completely different from daytime."

Jiang Ran wrapped his arms around her from behind, "Yes, that's the charm of Shanghai."

The two walked slowly along The Bund. The river breeze blew, a bit chilly, and Jiang Ran draped his coat over Su Ruan.

"Later..." Su Ruan whispered, "When Jinjin and An'an are grown, bring them here to see."

"Hmm," Jiang Ran nodded, "Not just Shanghai—go to Beijing to see the Great Wall, go to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Army, go to Guilin to see the scenery... Our China is so vast; the kids should see it all."

"Then you'll have to work hard to earn money," Su Ruan laughed, "Travel is expensive."

"For you two, no matter how costly, it's worth it," Jiang Ran said earnestly.

When they were tired of walking, they found a café and sat down. The window seat happened to offer a view of the river.

"We're heading back tomorrow," Su Ruan stirred her coffee, "I suddenly feel a bit reluctant to leave."

"Reluctant to leave Shanghai?"

"Reluctant... this feeling just belongs to the two of us," Su Ruan said, looking at him, "After we go home, it's work again, kids again, elders again... It's happy, but we rarely have this kind of alone‑time for just the two of us."

Jiang Ran held her hand, "Once this busy period passes, we'll do this often. Leave the kids with Mom and Dad, and we can go out together. Just the two of us."

"Okay," Su Ruan smiled, "You said that, you can't backtrack."

"Boss Jiang keeps his word."

The two sat in the café until nine, then slowly walked back to the hotel.

On the way they passed a dessert shop, and Jiang Ran went in and bought a box of butterfly pastries.

"A Shanghai specialty, bring it back for the kids to try."

Back at the hotel, they packed. With a train early tomorrow morning, they had to get everything ready.

"With so much stuff, we need another suitcase," Jiang Ran said, looking at the pile of gifts on the floor.

"No need," Su Ruan said, "Take some of the clothes out and cram them into the suitcase. These gifts can just be carried by hand."

They organized together, and soon everything was packed. After freshening up and lying on the bed, it was already eleven o'clock.

"The kids will surely be happy when we go home tomorrow," Su Ruan said, leaning in Jiang Ran's arms.

"Hmm," Jiang Ran gently patted her back, "You've worked hard these past few days."

"You've also worked hard," Su Ruan looked up at him, "Jiang Ran, thank you. Without you, I couldn't have made it this far alone."

"Silly words," Jiang Ran kissed her forehead, "I should thank you. Without you, I'd still be that little troublemaker from Hu Tong."

They exchanged a smile. Indeed, they had helped each other become who they are today.

"Sleep now," Jiang Ran turned off the light, "We go home tomorrow."

In the darkness, they embraced and fell asleep. Outside, Shanghai's lights still shone brightly, but their hearts had already flown back to that warm home.

The next morning, Douzi and Yaya came to see them off at the station.

"Brother Jiang, Sister Su, have a smooth journey," Douzi helped load the luggage onto the car.

"We'll leave the company's matters to you two," Jiang Ran patted his shoulder, "Call if anything comes up."

"Don't worry."

At the train station, people came and went. The Shanghai trip was about to end, but a new journey was just beginning.

Before boarding, Jiang Ran took one last look at the bustling city.

"We'll come again," he said softly.

"Mm," Su Ruan squeezed his hand, "definitely."

The train slowly started, and Shanghai's skyscrapers receded. Su Ruan leaned on Jiang Ran's shoulder and closed her eyes.

"If you're tired, just sleep a bit," Jiang Ran said, "I'll call you when we arrive."

"Mm."

During the three‑hour ride, Su Ruan slept the whole way. When she woke up, they were almost at the station.

"Almost there?" she rubbed her eyes.

"Ten minutes left," Jiang Ran handed over some water, "have a drink."

The train arrived on time. Upon exiting, they could see Li Huijuan far away, waiting at the pick‑up spot with Jinjin and An'an.

"Dad! Mom!" An'an shouted, waving as she jumped.

Jinjin didn't jump, but her eyes shone brightly, fixed on the exit.

As soon as they came out, the two children rushed forward. Su Ruan scooped up An'an, and Jiang Ran lifted Jinjin.

"Did you miss Mom and Dad?" Su Ruan kissed her daughter's little face.

"Yes!" An'an answered loudly.

Jinjin whispered, "Missed them."

Li Huijuan walked over, "Back already? Was the trip smooth?"

"Especially smooth," Jiang Ran said with a smile, "Mom, thank you for coming to pick us up."

"Don't say it's hard," Li Huijuan said while helping with the luggage, "We'll talk at home; Grandma's waiting there."

On the way home, the two children chattered nonstop, asking, "Is Shanghai big? Are the buildings tall? Are there many people?"

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan answered patiently. Watching the children's excited faces, all fatigue vanished.

When they arrived home, Jiang Jianguo and Jiang Nainai were waiting at the door. Jiang Jiaojiao and Gu Yanshen were also there—having known they were returning today, they came specially.

"Back already?" Jiang Nainai said, holding her grandson's hand, "You've lost weight, you're tired, right?"

"Not tired, Grandma," Jiang Ran said with a smile, "Shanghai was great; I bought some tea for you."

"What tea did you buy, spending money recklessly," Jiang Nainai said, but her face broke into a smile.