Chapter 235: Drink Milk

On Wednesday night, after putting the children to sleep, Su Ruan was still drawing in the study.

Jiang Ran came in carrying milk.

"Time to rest," he said, placing the milk on the table.

"Just a moment," Su Ruan replied without looking up. "The handling of this sleeve still feels a bit off."

Jiang Ran walked to her behind, looked at the blueprint: "Is this… too tight? The Rebirth Series should be more relaxed, more free."

Su Ruan paused, re‑examined the blueprint: "You're right. I was trying too hard to convey a sense of power, and ended up restricting it."

She picked up an eraser to make changes, while Jiang Ran stood behind her, his hand on her shoulder.

Neither of them spoke, but the atmosphere was warm.

After finishing the revisions, it was already eleven o'clock. Su Ruan stretched lazily: "Finally done."

"Drink the milk, then go to sleep," Jiang Ran handed the milk to her.

Su Ruan took it and drank slowly. Jiang Ran sat opposite her, looking at her: "RuanRuan, the way you design now is different from before."

"What's different?"

"More composed, more confident," Jiang Ran said. "Before, when you designed, you were always trying to prove something. Now, you just do what you want to do, express what you want to express."

Su Ruan thought for a moment: "Maybe it's because… I've gone through more things. I know what's important and what's not. Design is my expression, my passion, and that's enough. Others' evaluations and market reactions are secondary."

"This state is good," Jiang Ran grasped her hand. "Being your true self is more important than anything."

After finishing the milk, they washed up and went to bed. Lying on the bed, Jiang Ran's hand naturally rested on Su Ruan's waist.

"Jiang Ran."

"Mm?"

"Thank you."

"Thank you again."

"It's sincere." Su Ruan turned, facing him, "Thank you for always believing in me, supporting me. When I doubt myself, you're always the first to step forward and say you can do it."

Jiang Ran looked at her in the dark: "Because you really can. Besides, who else am I supposed to support but you?"

He kissed her forehead: "Sleep now; tomorrow still has its own matters."

"Mm."

They fell asleep in each other's arms.

Outside the window, the city grew quiet; inside, the two slept soundly.

On Friday, the first Sample Garment of the Rebirth Series was completed.

It was a long coat.

The fabric was a special blend, soft like cotton and crisp like linen.

The color was a pale ivory, like sunlight after the first snow.

The most distinctive detail was the treatment: the shoulders had patches resembling healed scar tissue; the cuffs featured an asymmetrical design that transitioned naturally. The lining bore the rainbow family portrait drawn by An'an, known only to the wearer.

"Very beautiful." Lin Xiaoyu held up a camera, snapping continuously, "Teacher Su, this garment… has a story."

Su Ruan stroked the coat's fabric: "Every piece of clothing should have a story. The wearer has a story, and the maker also has a story."

Jiang Ran also came to see the Sample Garment. He tried it on, turned in front of the mirror.

"How does it feel?" Su Ruan asked.

"Comfortable." Jiang Ran said, "and… there's an indescribable feeling. Wearing it, I really seem to sense that Rebirth power."

"Then that's right." Su Ruan smiled, "that's what I wanted to convey."

The success of the first Sample Garment gave the team great confidence.

In the following week, three more Sample Garments were completed: a shirt, a Dress, and a suit.

Each piece had its own design language, yet all shared the same theme—scars can become decoration, brokenness can become art, those who have weathered storms understand the preciousness of sunshine.

On Saturday, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran took the children to the countryside for fun.

An'an wore Mom's newly made little Skirt.

It was the children's version of the Rebirth Series, printed with a rainbow pattern.

"Mom, does my Skirt look good?" An'an spun around.

"Pretty." Su Ruan smiled, photographing her daughter, "An'an is a little rainbow."

Jinjin also wore new clothes, the "Foundation" children's version designed by Jiang Ran. The little boy was shy, but clearly liked it.

"Dad, the clothes are comfortable," he whispered.

"As long as it's comfortable," Jiang Ran patted his son's head.

The family played all day. In the evening, returning home, the children fell asleep in the car.

"Did you have fun today?" Jiang Ran asked softly.

"Happy." Su Ruan leaned on his shoulder, "seeing the kids wearing our designs, that feeling… is hard to describe."

"I understand." Jiang Ran grasped her hand, "it's like what we create can truly bring joy to our family."

"Mm."

Back home, after settling the children, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran rested in the living room, and Li Huijuan brought in some fruit.

"Mom, you should rest a bit too," Su Ruan said.

"I'm fine." Li Huijuan laughed, "Seeing your family so happy makes me happy."

Just then, Jiang Jiaojiao called, saying she wanted to bring Yuan Yuan over to play. The little girl was six months old, could sit up, and was especially cute.

"Sure, come tomorrow," Su Ruan said, "so Yuan Yuan can see her older brother and sister."

On Sunday morning, Jiang Jiaojiao's family indeed arrived.

Six‑month‑old Yuan Yuan wore a pink Skirt, sitting in her mother's arms, her big eyes curiously scanning the surroundings.

"Yuan Yuan, look at sister." An'an leaned over, gently patting her little sister's hand.

Jinjin also sat beside them, watching the little cousin attentively.

"Time really flies," Jiang Jiaojiao sighed, "Yuan Yuan is already six months old. RuanRuan, do you still remember what Jinjin and An'an looked like at six months?"

"I remember," Su Ruan smiled, "It was exhausting then—twins, one would cry and the other would cry right along."

"But it was all worth it," Jiang Ran continued, "Seeing how well they've grown now, any fatigue is worth it."

The family chatted, the atmosphere warm. At noon, Li Huijuan prepared a spread of good dishes, and everyone sat together to eat.

"Jiang Jiaojiao, Yan Shen, when do you plan to have a second child?" Li Huijuan asked.

Jiang Jiaojiao and Gu Yanshen exchanged a glance and smiled, "Let nature take its course. First, we'll take good care of Yuan Yuan."

"That's right," Li Huijuan nodded, "It's not about having many children, but about quality. With good education, one is enough."

After the meal, the men chatted in the living room while the women played with the children in the playroom. Yuan Yuan sat on the crawling mat, and An'an and Jinjin gathered around their sister, handing her toys.

"So cute," Su Ruan said, watching the children, "I hope they stay this close forever."

"They will," Jiang Jiaojiao said, "In a family like ours, the children will understand the preciousness of kinship."

In the evening, Jiang Jiaojiao's family said goodbye. After seeing them off, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran played with the children for a while, then checked their homework.

Once the children fell asleep, the two finally had time alone.

"Tomorrow we'll be busy again," Su Ruan leaned against Jiang Ran's chest, "We need to press on with the Rebirth series."

"Mm," Jiang Ran gently stroked her back, "But don't overdo it. If there's anything you need me to help with, just say so."

"Got it," Su Ruan looked up and kissed him, "Boss Jiang is now my strong backing."

"It's always been that way," Jiang Ran deepened the kiss.