Chapter 242: Dongba

After the meal, the two of them walked slowly through the old town. Spotting a special bookstore, Su Ruan went in and didn't want to come out.

The bookstore was small, but the books were unusual. Most were about Lijiang and Yunnan, and there were also some handicrafts.

"This book looks good," Su Ruan said, picking up a volume on Naxi Ethnic Group Dongba culture.

"Then buy it," Jiang Ran said, "if you like it, buy it."

She bought the book and also some Postcards. Su Ruan said she would mail them to her friends when she got home.

In the afternoon it was time to leave. Both felt a bit reluctant.

"Will you come again next time?" Su Ruan asked.

"We will," Jiang Ran nodded, "bring the children along next time; they'll definitely like it."

"Okay."

They returned to the inn to collect their luggage, then went to the airport. On the plane, Su Ruan stared at the clouds outside the window, filled with emotion.

"Three days went by so fast."

"Indeed," Jiang Ran squeezed her hand, "but the memories feel long."

When they returned to the Provincial Capital, it was already nine p. m. Douzi came to pick them up.

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

"It was great," Jiang Ran said, "how's the company these past few days?"

"Everything's normal. The 'Foundation' and 'Rebirth' series are selling very well."

"That's good."

Back home, the children hadn't slept yet and were waiting for them.

"Dad, Mom!" An'an rushed over.

Jinjin also came over, whispering, "Welcome home."

Su Ruan and Jiang Ran each picked up one.

"Did you miss Mom and Dad?"

"Missed them!" An'an answered loudly, "especially!"

"We missed you too," Su Ruan kissed her daughter, "Here, a gift."

She took out the little trinket she bought in Lijiang.

A silver bracelet for An'an, a Wood Carving little horse for Jinjin, a scarf for Li Huijuan, PuEr Tea for Jiang Jianguo, and a Shawl for Jiang Nainai.

"Thank you, Mom and Dad!" the children said happily.

After the children fell asleep, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran returned to their own room.

Even though they had only been away for three days, it felt as if they hadn't been home for a long time.

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

"Indeed," Su Ruan said, lying beside him, "golden nests and silver nests aren't as good as one's own doghouse."

"Our home isn't a doghouse," Jiang Ran laughed, "it's a Fortune Nest."

The two chatted a bit more before washing up and going to sleep.

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

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

"Wife."

"Hmm?"

"This trip was really great."

"Indeed," Su Ruan leaned against his chest, "let's do this often. Work hard when we work, and play hard when we play."

"Alright," Jiang Ran kissed her forehead, "sleep, tomorrow is a new day."

"Hmm."

Early the next morning, when Su Ruan woke up, sunlight was already flooding the bedroom.

Jiang Ran lay on his side, looking at her with gentle eyes, "Awake? Did you sleep well?"

"Very well," Su Ruan stretched lazily, "coming back from Lijiang feels like I'm recharged. By the way, where's the Dongba culture book we bought yesterday? I want to read it again."

Jiang Ran got up, took the book from the suitcase and handed it to her, "So interested?"

"Yes," Su Ruan opened the book, "the Naxi Ethnic Group's Dongba Script looks like a painting. I'm wondering… could we incorporate these ancient textual elements into new designs?"

Her eyes lit up, "Not a direct copy, but extracting that rustic, mysterious feel and blending it with modern design."

Jiang Ran sat on the bedside, smiling at her excitement, "My wife is about to have a new work again?"

"Just an idea for now," Su Ruan closed the book, "I need to study it properly. By the way, today is Monday, I have to go to the company."

As the two washed up and went downstairs, Li Huijuan was already preparing breakfast.

"Morning, Mom," Su Ruan said as she went over to help.

"How was the trip?" Li Huijuan asked while frying eggs.

"It was wonderful," Su Ruan placed bowls and chopsticks for her mother-in-law, "Lijiang is beautiful; next time I'll take you and Dad there."

"Alright, alright," Li Huijuan laughed, "it's good for you young people to travel more."

At the breakfast table, An'an and Jinjin were still fiddling with the gifts they received yesterday.

"Mom, this bracelet is so pretty," An'an swayed the silver bracelet, "Can I wear it to kindergarten?"

"You can," Su Ruan peeled an egg for her daughter, "but be careful not to lose it."

Jinjin stared intently at the Wood Carving little horse, "Dad, is this horse… a real horse?"

"It's a traditional Naxi Ethnic Group wood carving," Jiang Ran explained patiently, "many Handcraft Persons in Lijiang make those."

"I want to make one too," Jinjin whispered.

"Alright, Dad will take you to do Handicraft this weekend."

After dropping the kids off at kindergarten, the two drove to the company. On the way, Su Ruan was still flipping through that book on Dongba culture.

"So fascinated?" Jiang Ran glanced at her while waiting at the red light.

"It's really special." Su Ruan pointed at the text in the book, "Look at this character; it means 'love.' Like two people holding hands—how beautiful."

Jiang Ran glanced, "Indeed. But… RuanRuan, let's look at it at the office; reading on the road isn't good for the eyes."

"Got it." Su Ruan said with a smile, closing the book, "Boss Jiang is becoming more and more like a butler."

"Just you."

Arriving at the company, the two each threw themselves into work.

As soon as Su Ruan entered the office, she called a meeting of the Design Department.

"I have a new idea." She drew a Sketch on the whiteboard, "I want to create a 'Dongba Impression' series, blending the traditional cultural elements of the Naxi Ethnic Group with modern design."

Lin Xiao leaned in to look: "Sister Su, these patterns are so unique."

"This is Dongba Script, the ancient writing of the Naxi Ethnic Group," Su Ruan explained, "but I don't want to copy it directly; I want to capture that feeling."

"For example, this love character can be abstracted into a printed pattern; this ancient totem can be transformed into an embroidered motif."

Wang Shifu stroked his chin: "There's a difficulty in the craft. These patterns have primitive lines; if we use machine embroidery, they'll lose that Handcrafted feel."

"Then we'll do hand stitching." Su Ruan said decisively, "Find a master skilled in hand embroidery, even if it's slower and more expensive, we must ensure the quality."

Sun Shifu nodded: "I know a few veteran Embroiderers; their Handcraft is excellent. However, they're older and might not be willing to take on work."

"Then we'll go ask them ourselves." Su Ruan said, "Sincerity is very important."

After the meeting adjourned, Su Ruan returned to the office, where Jiang Ran was already waiting for her.

"I heard you're working on a new series?" he asked.

"Yes, Dongba Impression." Su Ruan's eyes lit up, "Lijiang gave me the inspiration. Jiang Ran, I want to go ask the Embroiderers in person; it may take a few days."

Jiang Ran thought for a moment: "When shall we go? I'll accompany you."

"No need, you're busy at the company as well." Su Ruan said, "I'll just take Xiao Yu. She's good at photography and can document the process."

"Then you, go alone, be careful." Jiang Ran said, uneasy, "Call me every day."

"Got it." Su Ruan said with a smile, hugging him, "Boss Jiang, don't be so nervous; I'm not a child."

"In my eyes, you'll always be the little girl who needs caring." Jiang Ran lowered his head to kiss her forehead.