Chapter 234: The Body Is More Important

Hmm.

Back at the hotel, both were tired but didn't want to sleep right away.

Jiang Ran opened a bottle of red wine, and the two sat on the balcony, watching the West Lake night view while sipping slowly.

"Jiang Ran," Su Ruan said softly, "Sometimes I feel we're really lucky."

"Indeed," Jiang Ran hugged her, "We have each other, kids, a home, a career. It's tiring, but worth it."

"On this trip back, I want to speed up the Memory Realm series," Su Ruan said, "With this relaxation and reflection, my ideas are clearer now."

"Okay," Jiang Ran nodded, "But don't overexert yourself; health comes first."

"Got it."

They chatted a bit more, then finally brushed up and went to bed.

That night, moonlight poured in through the curtains, gentle as water.

On the third morning, they slept until they woke up naturally.

After breakfast at the hotel, they took a walk along the West Lake.

"Next time, bring the kids along," Su Ruan said, "They'll definitely love it."

"Sure," Jiang Ran nodded, "When they're older, we'll travel as a whole family."

At noon, they checked out and took a taxi to the train station.

On the return train, Su Ruan leaned against Jiang Ran and fell asleep.

Jiang Ran held her, watching the scenery outside the window, his heart full.

Three hours later, the train arrived at the Provincial Capital. As soon as they stepped off, they saw Douzi waiting at the pick‑up spot.

"Brother Jiang, Sister Su, how was it?"

"Pretty good," Jiang Ran handed him his luggage, "How's the company been these past few days?"

"Everything's normal. The second batch of 'Cornerstone' has started shipping, and the feedback's good."

"That's good."

When they got home, it was already evening. As soon as the door opened, the two kids rushed in.

"Dad, Mom!"

Su Ruan and Jiang Ran each lifted one.

"Did you miss Mom and Dad?"

"Yes!" An'an answered brightly, "Especially!"

Jinjin also whispered, "Miss you."

Li Huijuan came out of the kitchen, "Back? Perfect, dinner will be ready soon."

"Mom, thank you for your hard work," Su Ruan said.

"Hard work?" Li Huijuan laughed, "The kids have been so well‑behaved."

The family gathered around the table to eat. Su Ruan and Jiang Ran recounted their observations of Hangzhou, and the children listened with great interest.

"Is there really a White Lady in West Lake?" An'an asked.

"That's a legend," Jiang Ran smiled, "But West Lake is truly beautiful. When you're older, I'll take you there."

"Okay!"

After the meal, Su Ruan brought out the gifts. The children were overjoyed when they received them.

"Thank you, Mom and Dad!"

After the kids fell asleep, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran returned to their own room. Though they'd only been away three days, it felt like they hadn't been home in ages.

"Home is still the best," Jiang Ran collapsed onto the bed.

"Indeed," Su Ruan lay beside him, "Gold nests and silver nests aren't as good as my dog nest."

"Our home isn't a dog nest," Jiang Ran laughed, "It's a Fortune Nest."

They chatted a bit more, then finally brushed up and went to sleep.

Although tomorrow they'd resume busy work, this recharge gave them both more strength.

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

"Daughter‑in‑law."

"Hmm?"

"From now on, let's do this often. Work seriously when we work, rest well when we rest, and play fully when we play."

"Okay," Su Ruan leaned against his chest, "I'll follow your lead."

After returning from the Hangzhou trip, Su Ruan had new ideas for the Memory Realm series.

The sub‑series about "Rebirth" became increasingly clear in her mind.

On Monday morning, she arrived early at the company and called a meeting of the design department.

"I want to adjust the planning of the Memory Realm series," Su Ruan said, drawing a Sketch on the whiteboard, "The original plan was a spring‑summer release, but now I want to move it up to before the Spring Festival."

The conference room fell silent for a moment.

Design assistant Lin Xiao asked cautiously, "Sister Su, is the timeline too tight? It's already November, and the Spring Festival is at the end of January."

"I know the schedule is tight," Su Ruan nodded, "But I want to do it. And it's not the whole series being moved up, just the Rebirth sub‑series."

She paused, then continued, "After An'an's illness and the earlier plagiarism scandal, I think... the Rebirth theme is most suitable now. It's not sad, it's warm and full of hope."

Jiang Ran, also in the conference room, heard this and said, "RuanRuan, if you want to do it, go ahead. But don't overwork yourself; the timeline can be adjusted, the body cannot."

"I understand," Su Ruan smiled at him, "This time is different; I have a team, I'm not going it alone."

After the meeting ended, the design department immediately shifted into high‑speed mode.

Su Ruan explained the new design concepts in detail to the team, assigning each person their own task.

Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu are responsible for the craft implementation, Lin Xiao handles fabric procurement and sample management, and Lin Xiaoyu begins planning the visual presentation of the Rebirth Series.

At noon, Jiang Ran comes to the design department to have a meal with Su Ruan.

Seeing that she is discussing the details of a Sample Garment with Wang Shifu, her eyes are bright, completely free of the previous fatigue.

"Daughter‑in‑law, dinner's ready," he knocks on the door.

Su Ruan looks up, sees Jiang Ran, and smiles: "I'll be right there. Wang Shifu, we'll change this part as you said; I think it's better."

"Alright then," Wang Shifu nods, "you go ahead and eat."

In a simple restaurant near the company, Jiang Ran looks at Su Ruan: "You're in great shape today."

"Hmm," Su Ruan nods, "I have ideas, direction, and team support; it feels especially good."

"That's good then," Jiang Ran picks a piece of fish for her, "but still the same advice: don't overexert yourself. The Rebirth Series is important, but you are more important."

"Got it," Su Ruan laughs, "Boss Jiang is getting more and more naggy now."

"Only nagging you."

The two finish their meal, chatting and laughing.

Back at the company, Su Ruan continues working, while Jiang Ran goes to handle the second batch production issues of the Cornerstone Series.

In the afternoon, Lin Xiaoyu brings her shooting plan.

"Teacher Su, I want to shoot a set of contrast Photo," Lin Xiaoyu opens her laptop, "a before‑and‑after contrast. Not just a simple beauty‑ugliness contrast, but… a change of state."

The screen shows several sample images.

Withered plants and new sprouts, shattered porcelain and restored gold repair, faded old photos and their recolored versions.

"That's a good idea," Su Ruan's eyes light up, "it has depth and a sense of story."

"I also want to find some people with stories to photograph," Lin Xiaoyu continues, "like those who have recovered from illness, those whose careers failed and rose again, those who lost loved ones yet still love life…"

Su Ruan ponders for a moment: "But we must keep the balance, not become overly sentimental, not exploit suffering. The focus is not the suffering itself, but the power and hope after Rebirth."

"I understand," Lin Xiaoyu nods, "I'll watch the limits."

"Alright, then prepare according to this direction," Su Ruan says, "I'll help you contact some shooting subjects, and we'll select together."

In the following days, Su Ruan spends the daytime busy designing at the company, and returns home at night to be with her child; though tired, it's fulfilling.