Chapter 226: Evidence

"It could be that they're jealous of how fast we're developing," Jiang Ran analyzed calmly, "or it could be that a competitor is messing around. But the most important thing now is how to respond."

Just then, Douzi knocked and came in, his face also looking bad: "Brother Jiang, Sister Su, several media outlets have called asking for interviews, and our partners are also inquiring about the situation."

"First, we need a unified stance," Jiang Ran decided quickly, "We'll say we're investigating and will respond as soon as possible. No interviews, no comments."

"Okay." After Douzi left, Jiang Ran looked at Su Ruan: "Hey wife, think carefully—do you know this Xu Wei?"

Su Ruan tried to recall: "The Provincial Capital design exchange meetings… I did attend a few times. But I don't recall a lecture by someone named Xu Wei…"

She shook her head, "I can't remember. And even if I had, design concepts are such that you can't say who copied whom."

"Concepts are indeed hard to define as plagiarism," Jiang Ran frowned, "but public opinion doesn't care about that. The current situation is that she has detailed claims and even a paper as evidence."

"We need evidence proving the Ren Series is your independent creation."

Su Ruan's eyes lit up: "Design sketches! I have kept everything from the earliest sketches to the final product!"

"Great." Jiang Ran exhaled, "Also the timeline. When did the Ren Series start being conceived? When was it completed?"

"We started conceiving it last spring, finished the design in summer, and released it in autumn," Su Ruan recalled, "The sketch book is at home, with dates on it."

"Okay, let's go home and get it," Jiang Ran stood up, "Also, look for any proof that we attended that exchange meeting."

"Invitation letters, tickets, photos. If we can prove you never heard her lecture, or that her lecture was after your design, it will be easy to handle."

The two hurried home. On the way, Su Ruan remained silent.

"Don't be afraid." Jiang Ran squeezed her hand, "Clean Ones Remain Clean. We have evidence, we aren't afraid of her nonsense."

"I know." Su Ruan said softly, "It's just… I feel wronged."

"The Ren Series is my most heartfelt work, my genuine emotional expression, and now people are calling it plagiarism…"

"I understand," Jiang Ran said with concern, "But that's the price of growth. A tall tree catches wind; we develop quickly, so it's natural that some are jealous. Get through this, and we'll be stronger."

Back home, Li Huijuan saw them returning at this hour and was surprised: "Why are you back? What happened?"

Su Ruan briefly explained the situation. Li Huijuan, after listening, was furious: "What kind of people are these! Spreading lies and slandering!"

"Mom, don't be angry," Su Ruan soothed, "We'll handle it properly."

She went upstairs to the study to look for the sketch book.

Sure enough, from the earliest concept to the final draft, it was a thick book, each page dated.

The earliest sketch was dated last April.

That is six months earlier than the lecture Xu Wei mentioned.

"Look." Su Ruan handed the sketch book to Jiang Ran, "This is the best evidence."

Jiang Ran examined it carefully, "Great. Anything else?"

"Photos…" Su Ruan thought, "We attended the exchange meeting last year, I think we took some photos, let me look."

She pulled out her old phone and scrolled through the pictures one by one.

Sure enough, she found a few photos from last year's Provincial Capital design forum, timestamps showing July.

At that time, the Ren Series was already basically formed.

"Got it." Jiang Ran's eyes lit up, "The timeline matches. She claims the paper is from three years ago, but her lecture was last October. Our design started back in April."

The evidence was found, and both felt a bit more assured. Yet public opinion was fermenting faster than expected.

When they returned to the office in the afternoon, negative news was everywhere.

Worse still, news came from the Shanghai boutique.

A few customers, after seeing the news, demanded refunds.

"President Liu also called," Douzi said cautiously, "She said she still believes us, but the public pressure is huge and hopes we clarify quickly."

"Understood," Jiang Ran said gravely, "Prepare a press conference. Set for tomorrow morning, inviting all relevant media."

"So urgent?" Su Ruan asked, a bit worried.

"It must be fast," Jiang Ran said, "The faster the rumor spreads, the faster we must clarify. The longer we delay, the greater the damage to the brand."

In the following period, the whole company entered a battle‑ready state.

Preparing evidence, drafting statements, contacting media, setting up the venue, and so on, they stayed busy until late night.

At ten at night, Jiang Ran let the staff leave early to rest.

Only he and Su Ruan remained in the office.

"Tired?" he handed Su Ruan a cup of hot tea.

"It's fine," Su Ruan took it, took a sip, "It's just… I feel blocked inside. I've been designing for so many years, never imagined I'd be accused of plagiarism."

"That's a certification of you," Jiang Ran tried to make her laugh, "It shows you're famous, and someone is jealous."

Su Ruan gave a wry smile, "I'd rather not have this kind of certification."

Jiang Ran sat beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, "Tomorrow everything will be clear. We have evidence, a timeline, witnesses. As long as we present the facts, the rumor will collapse on its own."

"Mm." Su Ruan leaned on his shoulder, "Jiang Ran, thank you. Whenever something happens, you're always so calm."

"That's because I know if I panic, you'll panic more," Jiang Ran kissed her hair, "We're spouses, we have to support each other."

The two double‑checked tomorrow's agenda once more before leaving the company.

When they got home, it was almost midnight.

The children were all asleep, but Li Huijuan and Jiang Jianguo were still waiting for them.

"How's it going?" Li Huijuan asked concernedly.

"We found the evidence, and tomorrow we'll hold a press conference to clarify," Jiang Ran said, "Mom and Dad, don't worry, we can handle it."

"That's good." Jiang Jianguo nodded, "In life and work, the most important thing is a clear conscience. If you act righteously and sit upright, you needn't fear others' words."

They ate a simple snack, then went upstairs to rest. Though tired, neither could fall asleep.

"Jiang Ran." In the darkness, Su Ruan called softly.

"Hmm?"

"If... if it's clarified, but everyone still doesn't believe it, what should we do?"

"Then we'll let time prove it." Jiang Ran held her hand, "The truth can't be faked, and the fake can't become true. We'll keep perfecting the design, perfecting the brand, and let our works speak."

Su Ruan felt a warmth in her heart, turned around to face him: "You're always this confident."

"Because I have confidence in you." Jiang Ran kissed her forehead, "Sleep now; we still have to fight tomorrow."

Even so, neither of them fell asleep right away.

After a long while, Su Ruan gradually fell asleep in Jiang Ran's embrace.

At ten o'clock the next morning, the press conference started on schedule.

The venue was filled with reporters, long guns and short cannons aimed at the podium.

Jiang Ran and Su Ruan sat side by side, with thick piles of evidence material before them.

"Media friends, hello everyone." Jiang Ran began, his voice steady and strong, "We held this press conference today to respond to recent false statements alleging that the Chongsu brand is involved in plagiarism."