Chapter 236: Nervous?

The Rebirth Series has entered its final sprint phase.

All Sample Garment are finished, the shooting plan is set, and the promotional materials are ready.

The launch event is scheduled for mid‑December, just in time for the shopping season before the Spring Festival.

But at this critical moment, a new problem arose.

On Tuesday morning, Lin Xiaoyu hurried into Su Ruan's office: "Teacher Su, a shooting subject has backed out at the last minute."

Su Ruan looked up from the design sketches: "Which one?"

"Aunt Li, who successfully fought cancer," Lin Xiaoyu said gravely, "she says her family won't let her appear publicly, fearing it will affect her child's job."

Aunt Li is one of the key subjects for the Rebirth Series.

She is sixty, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and is now recovering well.

Her story and condition perfectly match the Rebirth theme.

"Is she herself willing?" Su Ruan asked.

"She is willing," Lin Xiaoyu said, "but her daughter works at a government agency and worries that her mother's exposure will bring gossip."

Su Ruan thought for a moment: "I'll visit her myself. If it truly doesn't work, we'll find someone else."

"I'll go with you."

In the afternoon, Su Ruan and Lin Xiaoyu arrived at Aunt Li's home.

It's an old residential building, but it's kept very clean.

Aunt Li herself looks more spirited than in the Photo, showing no sign of her past severe illness.

"Teacher Su, Miss Lin, I'm really sorry," Aunt Li said apologetically, "I am indeed willing, but my daughter…"

"Aunt Li, we understand," Su Ruan said gently, "the family's feelings are important. We came today to talk with you and your family again."

Just then, Aunt Li's daughter returned from work. Seeing guests at home, she froze for a moment.

"Mom, who's this…?"

"This is Chongsu's designer Su, photographer Lin," Aunt Li introduced, "the shoot I told you about."

The daughter's expression darkened: "Mom, didn't I say I disagree?"

Su Ruan stood up: "Hello, I'm Su Ruan. May I talk with you for a few minutes?"

The daughter hesitated, then sat down.

"I understand your concerns," Su Ruan got straight to the point, "worrying that your mother's exposure will bring idle gossip and affect your work and life."

"But what I want to say is that the Rebirth Series' theme is courage and hope, not exploiting suffering."

"What we want to showcase are people like Aunt Li, who have weathered storms yet still love life."

She paused: "Also, the shoot won't reveal specific personal information. We aim to capture Aunt Li's current state."

"Planting flowers, cooking, chatting with neighbors. Ordinary life, but because of extraordinary experiences, it feels especially precious."

The daughter was silent for a while: "When my mother was ill, our whole family struggled. Now that she's finally recovered, I just want her to live quietly."

"I understand," Su Ruan nodded, "my daughter fell ill not long ago; it turned out to be a false alarm, but I truly share that worry and fear."

Those words made the daughter look up: "Your child…"

"Four years old, hospitalized with a fever, once suspected of leukemia," Su Ruan said softly, "later diagnosed as a misdiagnosis, but I'll never forget that period."

"That's why I want to make the Rebirth Series, to tell everyone that no matter what they've been through, a fresh start is possible."

Aunt Li clasped her daughter's hand: "Xiao Ya, Mom knows you mean well, but Mom wants to be filmed."

"It's not for fame; it's to tell those still ill not to give up, that they'll get better."

The daughter looked at her mother, then at Su Ruan, and finally relented: "Then… we can't shoot her face, can't use her real name, and can't disclose specific illness details."

"Of course." Su Ruan agreed immediately, "we'll protect her privacy."

The issue is resolved.

Leaving Aunt Li's house, Lin Xiaoyu exhaled: "Teacher Su, you're truly amazing."

"Just putting myself in their shoes," Su Ruan said, "for this series we can't only think about results; we must respect each person's story and choice."

Back at the office, Jiang Ran was waiting for her.

"How did it go?"

"It's settled," Su Ruan briefly reported, "the shooting can continue."

"That's good." Jiang Ran hugged her shoulder, "but don't overwork yourself. You've gotten thinner these days."

"Is that so?" Su Ruan laughed, "I feel great in spirit."

"Being in good spirits is one thing; health is another," Jiang Ran said seriously, "go home early tonight; Mom has simmered soup."

"Alright."

In the next few days, the Rebirth Series shooting proceeded at a breakneck pace.

Aunt Li's segment went smoothly, and the other subjects were also cooperative.

On Friday, the sample footage was ready. Su Ruan and Jiang Ran watched it together.

The first set featured Aunt Li: watering plants on the balcony, cooking in the kitchen, strolling in the park. No staged poses, just life moments. Yet the calm and appreciation born from having faced life and death came through the lens.

"So nice," Jiang Ran whispered, "it has strength but isn't flashy."

The second set showed a young person who failed at a startup and started anew: tidying up in an empty office, vending at a night market, working in a new Gongzuoshi. From loss, to struggle, to rediscovering direction.

The third set featured a couple who lost a child and adopted an orphan: sorting the deceased child's belongings, volunteering at a welfare home, taking the new child to an amusement park. Grief remains, but love sustains life.

Each set of photos is a rebirth story. Not melodramatic, not exaggerated—real and powerful.

"Xiao Yu shot wonderfully," Su Ruan sighed, "she captured each person's truest state."

"It's your guidance," Jiang Ran said, "this series will surely move many."

Once the sample footage is finalized, the launch event preparation begins.

The time is set for December 15, and the location is the Provincial Art Museum.

It's the same place as last year's "Tough" series, but the meaning is completely different.

"This time I want to walk the runway myself," Su Ruan said suddenly.

Jiang Ran was startled: "You? Walk the runway?"

"Hmm." Su Ruan nodded. "I'm not doing a professional runway, just during the final curtain, together with all the models. The Rebirth Series holds special meaning for me, and I want to take part myself."

Jiang Ran looked at her shining eyes and smiled: "Alright, I support you. What do you need me to do?"

"Accompany me in practice," Su Ruan smiled, "Has Boss Jiang ever been a model?"

"No, but I can learn."

So that evening, after the children fell asleep, the two practiced in the living room. Su Ruan wore a Sample Garment, and Jiang Ran acted as audience and coach.

"Walk a bit slower, more naturally," Jiang Ran said, "You don't need to be like a professional model; just walk normally, but keep your head up and chest out."

"Like this?" Su Ruan took a few steps.

"Yes, just like that." Jiang Ran clapped, "My daughter‑in‑law looks really beautiful."

"Stop it." Su Ruan's face flushed slightly, "Be serious."

After practicing a few rounds, Su Ruan grew tired and sat on the sofa to rest. Jiang Ran sat beside her and handed her some water.

"Are you nervous?"