Chapter 246: I Support You

"Of course we can!" Su Ruan said confidently, "Your design has a lot of spirit. We can cooperate: you provide the patterns, and we make Ready‑made Clothing."

He Xiulan, excited, her hand trembling a bit, "Really… really? Can my design become clothing?"

"Yes." Su Ruan held her hand, "And I would like to invite you to the Provincial Capital to work with our design team. Of course, if you are willing."

"To the Provincial Capital?" He Xiulan hesitated, "I have elderly and children at home…"

"No need to stay long." Su Ruan said, "Visit periodically, or we can cooperate remotely. The important thing is that your talent should be seen by more people."

He Xiulan thought for a moment, "I need to discuss it with my husband. But… Designer Su, thank you. No one has ever valued my Handcraft so much."

"It's your work that's good." Su Ruan said, "Sister, do you have contact information? I'll send you our materials and contract for you to look at first."

After exchanging contact information, He Xiulan treated them to lunch.

The dishes were abundant and all local specialties.

During the meal, He Xiulan's husband returned. He was a simple‑hearted Naxi Ethnic Group man, and after hearing Su Ruan's purpose, he strongly supported his wife.

"He Xiulan's Handcraft is indeed excellent," he said, "It's just that our place is too remote, no one knows. That you value her is her good fortune."

"It's our good fortune," Su Ruan said, "to have found such a talented Handcraft Person."

After the meal, He Xiulan took them to tour her Gongzuoshi.

It was a small room, filled with various embroidery threads, fabrics, and tools.

"This is my little world," she said with a smile, "When I'm troubled, I come here to stitch a few stitches, and my mind calms down."

Su Ruan noticed a family portrait pinned to the wall, showing He Xiulan with her husband and two children.

"How old are the children?"

"The older is eighteen, studying at university in Kunming; the younger is fifteen, attending middle school in the town," He Xiulan said with pride in her eyes, "Both are sensible, understand Mom's hard work, and study very diligently."

"How wonderful," Su Ruan said sincerely, "Sister, you not only have talent, but also a happy family."

"It's Heaven's favor," He Xiulan laughed, "Although not wealthy, having the whole family together is a blessing."

In the afternoon, Su Ruan and Lin Xiaoyu said goodbye to He Xiulan and returned to Lijiang. On the road, both were very excited.

"Teacher Su, Sister He Xiulan is truly a treasure!" Lin Xiaoyu said while flipping through Photos, "Her designs have both traditional roots and a modern feel. If the collaboration succeeds, the Dongba Impression series will definitely shine."

"Indeed," Su Ruan nodded, "And she is very genuine, not pretentious. People like that create things that truly have vitality."

"What about Grandma Yang's side?"

"Grandma Yang represents tradition, and He Xiulan represents innovation," Su Ruan said, "Only by combining the two can we create works that have both depth and novelty."

Back in Lijiang Ancient City, the two checked into an inn. That night, Su Ruan called Jiang Ran to report the progress.

"Found a treasure?" Jiang Ran asked after listening.

"We really found it," Su Ruan said excitedly, "Sister He Xiulan's design is even better than I expected. Jiang Ran, I want to cooperate with her deeply, not just for this season, but long‑term."

"Sure," Jiang Ran replied supportively, "What support do you need?"

"I would like to invite her to the Provincial Capital for a visit to meet the design team. Also, arrange a short‑term Gongzuoshi for her so she can create with peace of mind."

"No problem, I'll have Douzi arrange it."

"By the way, how are the children today?"

"They're fine. Jinjin got a perfect score on today's math test, and An'an was praised by the teacher in dance class," Jiang Ran paused, "They all miss you. An'an still hugs your pillow before sleeping."

Su Ruan's nose tingled with emotion: "I'll be heading back the day after tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll pick you up."

After hanging up, Su Ruan stood on the inn's balcony watching the night view.

The ancient city's lights were warm and tranquil, and faint Naxi ancient music drifted from afar.

This trip to Lijiang yielded not only Embroiderers and design inspiration, but also a deeper insight into life.

Grandma Yang's steadfastness and He Xiulan's innovation are both distinct interpretations of tradition. As for herself, as a designer, what she must do is build a bridge, allowing tradition and modernity to converse.

Lin Xiaoyu also came onto the balcony, "Teacher Su, what are you thinking about?"

"I think of design, of life, of inheritance," Su Ruan said softly, "Xiao Yu, what do you think design is?"

Lin Xiaoyu thought for a moment, "It's expression, it's creation, it's… making the world a little more beautiful."

"It's also connection," Su Ruan said, "Connecting past and present, connecting Handcraft Persons and wearers, connecting different cultures and stories."

"So you want to create a 'Dongba Impression'?"

"Well, it's not just about making a series, but about making a story." Su Ruan turned to face her, "I want to tell both Grandma Yang's story and He Xiulan's story. Let each piece of clothing be not merely a garment, but a vessel for a story."

Lin Xiaoyu's eyes lit up, "Then can I make a picture book? To record the process of this visit, to document the Embroiderers' stories."

"Of course you can," Su Ruan smiled, "You do it, and I'll support you."

Early on the third day, Su Ruan and Lin Xiaoyu packed their luggage to return. The inn's proprietress had specially prepared a Naxi Ethnic Group breakfast—baba and butter tea.

"Ladies, have these past few days gone smoothly?" the proprietress asked while pouring tea.

"Very smoothly, we found several excellent Embroiderers," Su Ruan took the teacup, "Thank you for your care."

"That's good," the proprietress said with a smile, "It's wonderful that you, who make clothing, thought to come here to find Embroiderers. Nowadays young people are reluctant to learn these old Handcrafts."

"That's why we came," Lin Xiaoyu said, "to record this traditional beauty so more people can see it."

After breakfast, the two said goodbye to the proprietress and drove to the airport. On the way, Su Ruan called He Xiulan again to confirm the details of the subsequent cooperation.

"Designer Su, my husband and I have discussed it," He Xiulan said over the phone, "Next month I can stay in the Provincial Capital for a week to meet your team."

"Great!" Su Ruan said happily, "My colleague will coordinate the specific itinerary and arrangements with you. By the way, do you need to bring any special tools or materials?"

"I'll just bring some embroidery threads and the usual tools," He Xiulan said, "The rest we can see when we get there."

After hanging up, Su Ruan felt much more reassured. This trip to Lijiang was even more successful than she had expected.

On the plane, Lin Xiaoyu organized the Photos and notes taken over the past few days.

"Teacher Su, look at this one." she handed the camera to Su Ruan, "Grandma Yang's profile while embroidering, with sunlight on her hand, feels especially striking."