Chapter 239: First Time Seeing You

Eight o'clock, the Spring Festival Gala began.

The family sat around the TV, watching and chatting.

Although the programs aren't always good, the feeling of being together beats everything.

At ten, the children were sleepy but forced themselves to stay up for the New Year.

"Mom, when will it be midnight?" An'an asked, rubbing her eyes.

"Soon," Su Ruan pulled her daughter into her arms, "If you're sleepy, go to sleep; you'll get red packets when you wake up tomorrow morning."

"I want to stay up..." An'an's voice grew softer, and she finally fell asleep.

Jinjin also fell asleep leaning against dad's chest.

They carried the children to the bed, and the adults kept staying up for the New Year.

At midnight, the New Year bells rang.

"Happy New Year!"

After exchanging greetings, Jiang Ran took Su Ruan to the balcony.

In the distance, fireworks burst, decorating the night sky in brilliant colors.

"Daughter-in-law, Happy New Year," Jiang Ran whispered in her ear.

"Happy New Year," Su Ruan said, leaning in his arms, "In the new year, I hope our family stays safe, the children stay healthy and happy, and we... stay this good forever."

"It will," Jiang Ran said, kissing her.

After the Spring Festival, life returned to its daily rhythm. Yet the new year seemed to bring a fresh atmosphere.

On a weekend in early March, the sun shone brightly and spring deepened. Su Ruan suggested the whole family go out for a spring outing.

"The weather's so nice, we should go out," she said at breakfast, "Jinjin and An'an should get more in touch with nature."

"Sure," Jiang Ran was the first to respond, "I know a place with mountains and water, few people, perfect for a picnic."

Li Huijuan and Jiang Jianguo also agreed, but only Jiang Nainai hesitated, "My old bones can't handle climbing."

"Grandma, no need to climb," Su Ruan said, "We'll stay at the foot of the mountain, find a flat spot, spread a mat, and bask in the sun."

"Alright then."

The family simply prepared picnic food—sandwiches, fruit, drinks, and a few side dishes made by Li Huijuan. Jiang Ran also brought a kite on purpose.

"Dad, can the kite fly?" An'an asked eagerly.

"It can, as long as the wind is right."

The destination was not far from the city; a forty‑minute drive got there. As Jiang Ran said, there were mountains and water, the scenery was beautiful, and the rare quiet came from few people.

They found a flat meadow and spread the picnic cloth. Jiang Jianguo walked with Jiang Nainai, Li Huijuan organized the food, and Jiang Ran led the children to fly the kite.

"Come, An'an hold the reel, dad will hold the kite for you," Jiang Ran lifted the kite high, "Run!"

An'an ran forward holding the reel, Jiang Ran let go, and the kite wobbled into the air.

"It's flying!" An'an shouted excitedly, "Dad, the kite is flying!"

"Let out the line slowly, right, just like that," Jiang Ran instructed.

Jinjin also wanted to try, so Jiang Ran took out another kite and taught his son to launch it.

Su Ruan sat on the picnic cloth, watching.

In the sunlight, her husband's and the children's smiling faces were more beautiful than any scenery.

"RuanRuan, come take a photo," Jiang Jiaojiao's voice came. She and Yan Shen also arrived, holding Yuan Yuan.

"Sister, why did you come?" Su Ruan said, standing up in surprise.

"Ranran said you were here, so we came over," Jiang Jiaojiao placed Yuan Yuan on the picnic cloth, "Yuan Yuan, look at sister and brother."

Eight‑month‑old Yuan Yuan sat on the cloth, curiously watching the surroundings.

An'an saw her little sister and ran over immediately.

"Sister! Look, the kite!"

Jinjin also came over, carefully sitting beside her sister.

The three children together made a heart‑warming scene. Jiang Jiaojiao took out a camera and kept shooting.

At noon, everyone sat together to eat the picnic.

The spring sunshine was warm without being hot, a gentle breeze brushed, and everything was just right.

"So comfortable," Jiang Jiaojiao sighed, "It's been a long time since I've relaxed like this."

"Indeed," Yan Shen said, "Work is busy usually, we also want to rest on weekends, rarely get out."

"We'll come out more often," Jiang Ran said, "Spring outings, summer heat‑escape, autumn leaf‑watching, winter snow‑viewing. All four seasons have scenery."

"Good idea," Su Ruan nodded, "Our whole family together."

After the meal, the children played on the grass while the adults sat and chatted.

"RuanRuan, what's the plan for the 'Memory Realm' series next?" Jiang Jiaojiao asked.

"I want to make it slowly," Su Ruan said, "No rush, each piece is carefully refined. Also, I want to try some new things."

"For example?"

"For instance..." Su Ruan thought, "Combine with other art forms. Clothing isn't just worn; it can merge with photography, painting, even music for a more three‑dimensional expression."

"That's a good idea," Jiang Ran said, "Tell me any support you need."

"It's still just an idea for now," Su Ruan smiled, "I'll tell you when it's mature."

Jiang Jiaojiao looked at her younger brother, "Ranran, what about you? Any plans after the Foundation series?"

"I want to make a women's wear series," Jiang Ran said, "Not a female version of Foundation, but a completely new series. Called... Warm Light. For those gentle yet powerful women."

"Warm Light..." Su Ruan mused, "Nice name. Any concrete ideas?"

"Still brainstorming," Jiang Ran smiled, "I need to consult Mrs Jiang for guidance."

Welcome anytime.

We chatted, and time passed quickly. At three p. m., it was time to go back.

The children were reluctant to part.

"Dad, will you come again?" An'an asked.

"Come back," Jiang Ran lifted his daughter, "When the flowers bloom, we'll come to see them."

"Alright!"

After packing everything, the family got into the car to go home. The children were exhausted and fell asleep in the car.

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

"Happy," Su Ruan leaned on his shoulder, "It just feels like days like this are truly wonderful."

"We'll do this often from now on," Jiang Ran said, holding her hand, "No matter how busy work gets, we must enjoy life."

"Mm."

Back home, they settled the children. Su Ruan and Jiang Ran drank tea on the balcony, watching the sunset.

"Jiang Ran."

"Hmm?"

"How many years have we known each other?"

Jiang Ran thought for a moment: "It's almost seven years, I think. The first time I met you feels like it was just yesterday."

"Yes," Su Ruan sighed, "Back then you were a thug, and now... you're a mature man, a good husband, a good father, a good boss."

"It's all because of you," Jiang Ran said, holding her hand, "Without you, I'd still be that little thug in Hu Tong."

"Don't be modest," Su Ruan laughed, "You had the potential yourself; I just... helped you discover it."

Jiang Ran looked at her, his gaze gentle: "RuanRuan, next month is our sixth wedding anniversary. I want..."

"What are you thinking?"

"I want to take you somewhere," Jiang Ran said mysteriously, "Just the two of us, three days and two nights."

"Where to?"

"It's a secret," Jiang Ran smiled, "You'll find out when the time comes."