Chapter 227: I Want to Design the First Menswear Line

He turned on the projector and displayed the evidence: "First, regarding the Ren Series design timeline. We have the complete design Sketch, the earliest one dated April last year."

The screen showed a Photo of the Sketch book, with the date clearly visible.

"And Ms. Xu Wei's claimed lecture time was October last year." Jiang Ran continued, "On the timeline, our design predates her lecture."

He then showed a Photo of Su Ruan attending the Provincial Capital Shejilun in July last year; at that time the Ren Series was already basically formed.

"Moreover, we verified the forum's guest list and agenda, and Ms. Xu Wei's name was not on it."

The evidence was presented one by one, with clear logic.

The reporters began to murmur among themselves.

Finally, Jiang Ran said, "The similarity in design concepts may be coincidence, may be resonance of the era's background. But to claim plagiarism outright, we cannot accept it."

"The Ren Series is Ms. Su Ruan's sincere expression based on personal experience and the era's feelings; this point can be proven by the work itself."

During the Q&A, a bespectacled male reporter raised his hand: "Jiang Ran, Ms. Xu Wei's paper was indeed published three years ago; how do you explain that?"

"We respect Ms. Xu Wei's academic achievements," Su Ruan took the microphone, "but academic viewpoints and design works are two different matters."

"If we follow that logic, any work expressing toughness and strength could be said to plagiarize her paper, which is obviously unreasonable."

Another female reporter asked, "Designer Su, do you know Ms. Xu Wei? Have you heard her lecture?"

"I have no impression of Ms. Xu Wei," Su Ruan said calmly, "I have attended many design exchange events; if she indeed gave a lecture at one of them, I might have heard it."

"But as my husband said, our design predates her lecture."

The press conference lasted forty minutes. After it ended, Jiang Ran and Su Ruan gave exclusive interviews to several mainstream media outlets.

"How's the effect?" Su Ruan asked upon returning to the office.

"It should be fine," Jiang Ran said, looking at his phone, "Media have already issued clarification reports. However…"

"However, what?"

"Public opinion's shift takes time," Jiang Ran said, "Moreover, some people will only believe what they want to believe. We must be mentally prepared; there may still be a period of negative impact."

As expected, different voices emerged that afternoon.

Some said the evidence could be forged; others said the timeline could be tampered with.

Although supportive voices also increased, doubts still persisted.

More troublesome, news came again from the Shanghai boutique side.

Two malls requested the temporary removal of Chongsu's products, to discuss again after the storm passes.

"This is the worst chain reaction," Jiang Ran frowned, "If other boutiques follow suit…"

"Then we'll negotiate one by one," Su Ruan said firmly, "with facts, with sincerity."

The next few days, the two acted separately.

Jiang Ran flew to Shanghai to negotiate with the malls in person.

Su Ruan stayed in the Provincial Capital, continuing to prepare the Yijing Series, while accepting interviews from some trusted media, showcasing the new design concept.

Friday night, Jiang Ran returned from Shanghai. Though exhausted, he brought good news.

"It's settled," he said, "General Liu was a great help, persuading the malls to give us time. As long as public opinion improves, we won't need to pull the products."

"Great," Su Ruan sighed with relief.

"However," Jiang Ran said, looking at her, "Xu Wei's side has new moves. She gave an interview, insists we plagiarized, and even says she'll sue."

Su Ruan's heart sank again: "Sue? What evidence does she have to sue?"

"She says she has a witness who can prove you attended her lecture," Jiang Ran sighed, "But I think it's bluster. Still, if we actually go to court, it will be troublesome."

"Then we fight," Su Ruan said suddenly, "Since she insists, we'll see it through to the end. The law will clear our innocence."

Jiang Ran looked at her determined eyes and smiled, "Alright, then we fight. We'll hire the best lawyer."

The two discussed a while longer, then washed up and rested.

Although challenges remain ahead, the feeling of fighting side by side gives them greater strength.

After lying down, Jiang Ran pulled Su Ruan into his arms.

"Daughter‑in‑law."

"Hmm?"

"This incident, though troublesome, is also a test," Jiang Ran said softly, "Testing our trust, testing our resilience. I'm glad we made it through together."

"Me too," Su Ruan leaned against his chest, "And after this, I know more clearly what I want."

"Design is my expression, it's my life. Whatever others say cannot change that."

"Right," Jiang Ran kissed her hair, "Be yourself; the rest, leave it to me."

The plagiarism storm gradually subsided with the lawyers' involvement.

Xu Wei eventually withdrew the lawsuit, acknowledging her accusations lacked sufficient evidence.

Although the public discourse still contains noise, mainstream media have begun to shift, and Chongsu's brand reputation is slowly recovering.

Yet this incident made Jiang Ran realize one thing.

Chongsu needs more pillars; it cannot rely solely on Su Ruan's designs.

One Sunday morning, the family was having breakfast.

Jiang Ran suddenly said, "RuanRuan, I want to design menswear."

Su Ruan was peeling eggs for An'an, looked up at the words, "Menswear?"

"Yes," Jiang Ran nodded, "Chongsu now has women's wear and children's wear, but no official menswear line yet. I want to try."

Jinjin and An'an also set down their chopsticks, watching dad curiously.

"Dad wants to make clothes?" An'an asked, "Like Mom?"

"Right," Jiang Ran smiled, patting his daughter's head, "Dad wants to make stylish clothes for the uncles."

Su Ruan set the eggs down, looking at her husband seriously, "Do you have a concept yet?"

"Yes." Jiang Ran's eyes lit up, "I want to make a series called Cornerstone. For those men who silently support their families and careers from behind. Unassuming, but solid, reliable."

"Cornerstone…" Su Ruan mused, "Good name, what about the style?"

"Simple, practical, but the details must be refined," Jiang Ran said, "The fabric should be comfortable and durable, the cut should fit but not restrict. Not that stiff suit, but everyday wear that still reflects taste."

Su Ruan grew more interested as she listened, "Sounds good. How do you want to do it? Need my help?"

"Of course I need you." Jiang Ran took her hand, "You're the expert on design. But this time, I want to lead. You keep the big direction, I'll handle the specifics."

"Alright." Su Ruan smiled, "Then when do we start?"

"Tomorrow."

On Monday, Jiang Ran officially began his design journey.

But he soon found that design was harder than he imagined.

The first challenge was drawing. Jiang Ran wasn't formally trained; although he has a feel for clothes, putting it on paper is another matter.

"Here… the proportions are off." Su Ruan said, pointing at his Sketch, "The shoulders are too wide; the finished piece would look like a rugby player."

Jiang Ran scratched his head: "I think this makes it look strong."